‘Honesty Was In Short Supply’: N.Y. Trial Starts With Arguments Against Opioid Makers

Opening statements began Tuesday in a landmark opioid trial against pharmaceutical companies who are being sued in Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as the state of New York, to hold the drugmakers responsible for the ongoing opioid epidemic. 

On Long Island, the trial is the first of its kind to be heard by a jury.

The lawsuits seek monetary damages from both opioid manufacturers and distributors, including Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Endo International, McKesson and Cardinal Health. 

Johnson & Johnson reached a $230 million settlement with the state and agreed to end the manufacturing and distribution of opioids. CVS also reached a settlement with the state in the weeks leading up to the trial.