Iowa Attorney General, Tom Miller, says he will support a $48 billion settlement framework with two drug makers and three distributors over their role in the opioid epidemic. “Many details need to be worked out, but this framework is an important step in addressing the crisis,” Miller says. “Any settlement must provide significant funds and treatment drugs to help people recover, as well as include requirements on the companies to prevent more addiction and death.” Drug manufacturers, Johnson & Johnson and Teva, and distributors, Cardinal Health, McKesson and AmerisourceBergan, have all agreed to the settlement principle. This deal will include $22 billion in cash over 18 years and $26 billion in medication-assisted treatment drugs and their distribution over 10 years. Iowa is expected to receive a share of the $22 billion in cash to aid in abating the crisis. This includes providing addiction treatment, paramedic services, drug courts and more. A specific formula to determine cash distribution is being finalized at this time.
