Native American Tribes Reach $590M Opioid Settlement

Native American Tribes Reach $590M Opioid Settlement

Introduction

Johnson and Johnson (J&J), along with the three largest drug distributors of the United States (U.S.), have agreed to pay $590 million to Native American tribes over the claims of fueling the opioid crisis.

As per the estimates, the Native American population has been affected the most among all the populations in the United States (U.S.) because of the opioid epidemic. The tribal leadership committee disclosed that the per capita rate of opioid overdoses is highest among the American Indians. The study even revealed that over time from 1999-2015, American Indians and Alaska Natives had the highest death rate due to drug overdose as compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

J&J denied liability and wrongdoing in the opioid crisis but has agreed to pay $150 million over the next two years. The company even defended the promotion of its medication. The spokesperson for J&J also highlighted that the company has discontinued prescription opioid medications from the U.S. market.

AmerisourceBergen Corp, McKesson Corp, and Cardinal Health, Inc will pay the settlement share of $440 million over the next seven years. The final approval of the settlement will be given after hundreds of tribes sign the agreement.

The tribal leadership committee explained that the settlement funds would efficiently help to deal with and cover the costs of the opioid crisis. It will also help the Native American tribes to equally compete with the U.S. states for the settlements in the opioid crisis.

Last year, drug distributors AmerisourceBergen Corp, Cardinal Health Inc and McKesson Corp proposed to pay up to $26 billion to states and local governments for resolving similar claims.