Today, Attorney General Brian E. Frosh announced Maryland’s participation in settlements with Johnson and Johnson as well as the three largest distributors of opioid medications. Johnson and Johnson is expected to pay up to $91.6 million to the state, and for the three distributors, payments could amount to $411.17 million.
In a press release, AG Frosh named McKesson, AmeriSourceBergen, and Cardinal Health as parties to the settlement, all of which are accused of contributing to the “diversion of [opioid products] on a massive scale.” Johnson and Johnson has been subject to claims it “deceptively marketed its fentanyl products.”
“No amount of money could ever compensate for the devastation wrought by the opioid epidemic,” said Attorney General Frosh. “But these settlements will bring much needed funds to address the harms Marylanders have suffered. The funds will provide addiction treatment, prevention, and other abatement programs across the State to help Marylanders recover.”
Under the settlement, the opioid medication distributors will be required to establish safeguards to prevent “suspicious orders and diversion of opioids.” Johnson and Johnson will cease selling opioid products.
Local jurisdictions have until January 2022 to join the settlement.
