WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - Delaware is suing drug manufacturers, distributors and drugstores over the opioid crisis.
The Wilmington News Journal reported Friday that the state's lawsuit blames manufacturing companies for misleading doctors and consumers. The suit claims the companies said the drugs were not powerfully addictive or dangerous.
The lawsuit claims that omission, combined with the distribution and prescription of opioids, led to the death of 694 Delawareans from 2007 to 2016. The state also claims that it loses about $100 million annually in resources for health care, criminal justice, social services and education.
Nearly all companies being sued told The News Journal that they are committed to addressing the epidemic and have taken steps to address it. Some, including Endo Pharmaceuticals and Cardinal Health, deny the allegations and plan to defend themselves in court.
