AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, McKesson, and Johnson & Johnson, are currently finalizing a $26 billion opioid settlement. There will be a payout to state and local governments across the U.S.
In a joint statement, the drug companies said the deal with the Cherokee Nation will not affect other settlements. But the companies also “strongly” denied any wrongdoing. And said payouts will be spread over the next six to seven years.
“This settlement was negotiated in connection with ongoing negotiations toward a broad resolution of opioid-related claims brought by Native American tribes,” the statement emphasizes.
Meanwhile, Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. says the tribe will continue to pursue separate litigation. There are pending lawsuits against pharmacy chains that sold opioid medications without scrutiny. This includes the largest pharmacies, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.
