Two of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States, CVS Healthcare Y Walgreen Co.announced agreements in principle Wednesday to pay about $5 billion each to settle lawsuits across the country over opioid harm, and a lawyer said Walmart is in settlement talks.
Together, the developments amount to what could be the latest round of big settlements after years of litigation over the pharmaceutical industry’s role in an overdose crisis that has been linked to more than 500,000 deaths in the US over the past two decades.
In the lawsuits, the local governments said the pharmacies filled prescriptions that they should have flagged as inappropriate.
The agreements require that the majority of the funds of CVSbased in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and Walgreen’s, based in Deerfield, Illinois, are used to combat the opioid crisis through efforts such as expanding treatment and support programs for people with addictions, along with providing overdose antidotes. and launching prevention efforts.
In a conference call with analysts on Wednesday, CVS Health CEO Karen Lynch said the settlement grew out of mediation discussions that began last month.
According to tentative plans, CVS it would pay $4.9 billion to local governments and about $130 million to Native American tribes over a decade. Walgreen’s it would pay $4.8 billion to governments and $155 million to tribes over 15 years. The exact amount depends on how many governments join the agreements.
CVS announced its plan along with an earnings report on Wednesday, and Walgreen’s filed with the SEC with some details.
“We are pleased to resolve these long-standing claims and putting them behind us is in the best interest of all parties, as well as our clients, colleagues and shareholders,” said Thomas Moriarty, chief policy officer and general counsel of CVS, it’s a statement. “We are committed to working with states, municipalities and tribes, and we will continue our important initiatives to help reduce the illegitimate use of prescription opioids.”
The companies said they have launched educational programs and installed secure drug disposal units in stores and police departments, among other measures designed to reduce opioid misuse.
“As one of the nation’s largest pharmacy chains, we remain committed to being part of the solution, and this settlement framework will allow us to maintain our focus on the health and well-being of our customers and patients, while making positive contributions to addressing the opioid crisis,” he said. Walgreen’s it’s a statement.
Neither CVS neither Walgreen’s admit irregularities.
Paul Geller, attorney for the governments in the lawsuits, said talks with Walmart. The representatives of Walmart they did not comment on Wednesday.
[Con información de The Associated Press]
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