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Johnson & Johnson Settles Ohio Lawsuits to Avoid Federal Trial

Reuters

   Johnson & Johnson said on Tuesday it will pay $20.4 million to settle
   claims by two Ohio counties, allowing the U.S. healthcare giant to
   avoid an upcoming federal trial seeking to hold the industry
   responsible for the nation's opioid epidemic.

   J&J became the fourth drugmaker to settle claims ahead of the Federal
   Court trial against multiple manufacturers and distributors in
   Cleveland scheduled for later this month. The case is considered a
   bellwether for more than 2,600 lawsuits by state and local governments
   that are pending nationally.

   "The settlement allows the company to avoid the resource demands and
   uncertainty of a trial as it continues to seek meaningful progress in
   addressing the nation's opioid crisis," J&J said in a statement.

   "The company recognizes the opioid crisis is a complex public health
   challenge and is working collaboratively to help communities and people
   in need," it added.

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