J&J agrees to pay $20.4 m in opioid addiction case

Washington, October 2

US healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson today announced it had reached a $20.4 million settlement to avoid a much-anticipated trial in Ohio for allegedly fuelling the opioid addiction crisis.

Several drugmakers have agreed deals ahead of the trial, due to open this month, which is seen as a national test case for many billions of dollars in settlements.

Millions of Americans sunk into addiction after using potent opioid painkillers that companies churned out and doctors freely prescribed over the past two decades.

The Johnson & Johnson agreement was with two Ohio counties ravaged by the opioid crisis — Cuyahoga and Summit. — AFP

Settlement to avoid trial 

• The company was accused of aggressive promotion of painkillers and downplaying or hiding risk of addiction
• Several firms have agreed to deals ahead of the trial which is seen as a national test case for billions of dollars in settlements