Opioid Distributors Propose $10 Billion to End State Claims
- McKesson, Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen make opening bid
- States demand $45 billion; Local government pursue own suits
Photographer: Tim Thompson/Bradel Images via Getty Images
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McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc. and AmerisourceBergen Corp. have proposed paying $10 billion to settle claims they helped to fuel the U.S. opioid epidemic -- the first sign of progress in resolving state lawsuits against the drug distributors, according to people familiar with negotiations.
The companies, which deliver the majority of prescription medications to U.S. pharmacies, made the verbal proposal as part of talks with a group of state attorneys general, said three people familiar with the offer who asked that their names not be used because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly.