South Dakota joined the ranks of 15 other states on Wednesday by filing a lawsuit in State Circuit Court against pharmaceutical companies who manufacture opioids. The three companies named in South Dakota’s lawsuit are Purdue Pharma LP, Endo International Plc and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen unit.
Attorney General Marty Jackley filed the suit on behalf of South Dakota claiming that the drugmakers have violated Medicaid fraud laws and state deceptive trade laws and created a public nuisance by spreading false information about opioids’ risks and benefits. The lawsuit seeks civil damages and penalties for reimbursement and treatment. Click here to read the Attorney General’s full press release.
