Baltimore Secures $266M in Opioid Distributor Case

A Baltimore jury has found pharmaceutical distributors McKesson and AmerisourceBergen liable for contributing to the city's opioid crisis, ordering them to pay over $266 million in damages. The verdict comes after Baltimore's decision six years ago to independently sue these companies instead of joining a larger settlement, as part of efforts that have secured over $668 million from other companies like Walgreens, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and CVS. The city accused the distributors of prioritizing profit over public health by oversupplying opioids, which pushed residents towards drugs like fentanyl and heroin. McKesson and AmerisourceBergen denied responsibility, asserting they acted legally by supplying licensed pharmacies. The city plans to use the awarded funds to address the crisis and support affected communities through the Opioid Restitution Fund. McKesson and AmerisourceBergen have indicated plans to appeal the decision.