Missouri to receive $458 million in settlement with J&J and other opioid distributors

Dozens of state and local jurisdictions had sued Johnson & Johnson and three other drug distributors, alleging they downplayed the addictive nature of opioid painkillers. Proceeds of the settlement will go directly to addiction treatment and prevention programs.
Missouri will receive $458 million to fund drug treatment and prevention programs as part of a settlement with Johnson & Johnson and three other drug distributors.

All 114 of the state’s counties signed onto the settlement, guaranteeing the maximum payout. In return, they will agree to drop individual suits against the companies, which include McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen, for their role in the opioid epidemic.