Pennsylvania recently finalized agreements with CVS and Walgreens regarding the pharmaceutical industry’s role in the opioid crisis.
The state will receive $2.2 billion of the more than $54.1 billion in settlement agreements with opioid manufacturers and distributors.
Under the settlement, Walgreens will pay approximately $236 million to Pennsylvania over the next 15 years, and CVS will pay approximately $217 million over the next 10 years. The remainder of the $2.2 billion will come from Allergen, Teva, Walmart, and several firms in bankruptcy, including Endo, Malinckrodt, and Purdue.
The settlement results from a multistate investigation into opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies. CVS and Walgreens will pay a total of $10.7 billion.
“No amount of money will bring back the lives we lost, but today’s agreement with CVS and Walgreens will help to ensure Pennsylvanians suffering from opioid addiction get the treatment and recovery resources they need,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. “My office is determined to hold accountable the greedy companies that created and jet-fueled the opioid epidemic. Today’s action sends a message to drug distributors and pharmaceutical companies that we’re here to always fight for the people we serve.”
The terms of the agreement will be reviewed by the 18 states involved in the investigation.