Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced a significant $720 million nationwide settlement on Thursday with eight pharmaceutical companies implicated in exacerbating the opioid crisis. This settlement aims to address the widespread impact of opioid addiction across the United States, with Mississippi poised to receive up to $6,351,265 from the agreement.
“The opioid epidemic has claimed far too many lives in Mississippi, leaving behind lasting pain,” Fitch stated. “This settlement marks an important step forward, holding those involved in the opioid crisis accountable and helping us begin the healing process for our families and communities.”
The companies involved and their respective settlement contributions are as follows: Mylan (now part of Viatris) will pay $284,447,916 over nine years; Hikma will contribute $95,818,293 over one to four years; Amneal will provide $71,751,010 over 10 years; Apotex will pay $63,682,369 in a single year; Indivior will pay $38,022,450 over four years; Sun will contribute $30,992,087 over one to four years; Alvogen will pay $18,680,162 in one year; and Zydus will pay $14,859,220 in a single year.
As part of the settlement terms, seven of these companies, excluding Indivior, are prohibited from marketing opioids, making or selling any product containing more than 40 mg of oxycodone per pill, and must implement a monitoring system for suspicious orders. Indivior, on the other hand, has agreed to halt the manufacture and sale of opioid products for the next decade but will continue to market and sell treatments for opioid use disorder.
Mississippi’s Attorney General’s Office was the first in the nation to initiate legal action against opioid manufacturers for their role in the crisis. Under Fitch’s leadership, the state has secured settlements with over a dozen entities involved in the opioid industry, including manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and pharmacies. The settlement payments are directed into the Opioid Settlement Fund, established by the Legislature in 2024.
Fitch also chairs the Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Council, which oversees the allocation and expenditure of settlement funds. The council ensures that funds are used in line with settlement agreements and involves the public to maintain accountability and transparency.
