America’s first state trial against drug manufacturers blamed for contributing to the opioid crisis has started in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma attorney general Mike Hunter started opening arguments by saying powerful painkillers have led to the “worst manmade public health crisis” in US history.
The state alleges drug firms extensively marketed highly addictive opioids for years in a way that overstated their effectiveness and underplayed the risk of addiction.
Drug makers deny Oklahoma’s claims. The companies maintain that they are part of a lawful and heavily regulated industry that is subject to strict federal oversight, and that doctors are the ones who prescribe the drugs.
Much of the opioid crisis, they argue, is the result of illegal activity, such as drugs being stolen or obtained fraudulently.
The trial could bring to light documents and evidence that show what the companies knew, when they knew it and how they responded.
A federal judge in Ohio is overseeing the 1,500 consolidated opioid lawsuits filed by state, local and tribal governments.
