Medford Sues Opioid Manufacturers, Distributors

MEDFORD, MA – The city on Tuesday announced a public nuisance lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court against the companies it holds responsible for the opioid epidemic. Named in the lawsuit is the Sackler family, who owns Purdue Pharma, as well as other major manufacturers and distributors.

The suit alleges manufacturers put highly addictive, dangerous opioids on the market and claimed to medical providers that patients would rarely become addicted. Distributors are accused of failing to detect and report suspicious orders of prescription opioids.

The city's goal is to hold pharmaceutical drug companies accountable for failing to monitor, identify and report suspicious activity in the size and frequency of opioid shipments to pharmacies and hospitals, according to the mayor's office.

"We are determined to stop this epidemic from further destroying the lives of the people
in our community. This lawsuit is one part of the collaborative effort that is needed by
municipal, state and federal leaders along with lawmakers, doctors, law enforcement
and health officials to join forces to find workable solutions," Mayor Stephanie M.
Burke said in a statement.

According to Burke, there were 164 opioid-related deaths in Medford from 2000-2017. Department of Public Health data cited by the mayor's office showed that the number of fatal opioid-related overdoses rose 15 percent from 2015-2016.

"The misuse and abuse of prescription opioids is a complex public health challenge that requires a collaborative and systemic response that engages all stakeholders," John Parker, senior vice president of Communications at the Healthcare Distribution Alliance, which represents distributors, said in a statement. "Given our role, the idea that distributors are responsible for the number of opioid prescriptions written defies common sense and lacks understanding of how the pharmaceutical supply chain actually works and is regulated. Those bringing lawsuits would be better served addressing the root causes, rather than trying to redirect blame through litigation."

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