Baltimore Court Selects Jury for Opioid Trial

A jury has been selected for Baltimore's lawsuit against opioid distributors McKesson and AmerisourceBergen, following the city's settlement with Johnson & Johnson ahead of the trial. The jury, consisting of six jurors and six alternates, will oversee claims that the distributors aggressively marketed opioids and failed to halt excessive orders to Baltimore pharmacies. While the specifics of the Johnson & Johnson settlement remain undisclosed, Baltimore has previously secured $402.5 million from various opioid companies. The trial is set to run through early November, with opening statements expected soon. Baltimore's opioid crisis has resulted in overdose deaths occurring at a higher rate than in any other major U.S. city, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue. Baltimore City Solicitor and the mayor's office have not provided further comments on the settlement terms.