TALLAHASSEE-March 20, 2022: Florida has securement more than $870 million for opioid abatement from CVS Health Corporation, CVS Pharmacy, Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd., Allergan PLC, and Endo Health Solutions settlement. The settlements resolve claims made against those companies for their role in prompting the opioid epidemic.
CVS will now pay $484 million to the State of Florida, Teva will pay nearly $195 million, Allergan will pay more than $134 million, and Endo will pay $65 million.
Teva will also provide $84 million worth of its generic NARCAN nasal spray to the State. That is the generic name for the company’s Naloxone Hydrochloride product. Naloxone Hydrochloride temporarily reverses the effects of opioids when an overdose occurs.
Attorney General Ashley Moody announced the settlement in Tallahassee Wednesday. “The opioid epidemic is wreaking havoc on Florida families," said Moody. "The monies secured from CVS, Teva, Allergan and Endo will help further our efforts to remediate the harm and suffering of Floridians.”
The settlement agreements ensure that a portion of the funds will be sent to Florida’s cities and counties and the money must be spent on opioid abatement services including prevention, treatment and recovery programs. More than 90 towns and cities, and 240 subdivisions agreed and will be receiving funding under the terms of the settlement. The remainder of the monies will go to pay fees and legal costs incurred by the State, the cities and counties.
To view the signed CVS settlement, click here.
To view the signed Teva settlement, click here.
To view the signed Allergan settlement, click here.
To view the signed Endo settlement, click here.
The remaining defendant, Walgreens Co., is set for a jury trial in New Port Richey beginning on April 5, with jury selection in front of Judge Kimberly Sharpe Byrd. Opening statements are likely to occur on or about April 8.
In July 2021, Attorney General Moody announced a multi-billion dollar nationwide settlement with McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health, Inc., AmerisourceBergen Corp., and Johnson & Johnson, Inc. Florida will receive more than $1.6 billion, which must be used for remediation. Florida finalized a settlement with McKinsey & Company for $40 million in February 2021.
The Office of the Attorney General has set up an online portal for local governments to sign-on to the various opioid related settlements. To learn more, click here.