Los Angeles sues opioid makers amid addiction ‘crisis’

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles is suing six pharmaceutical companies, alleging fraudulent and negligent business practices that have contributed to an “opioid addiction crisis” in the city.

City Attorney Mike Feuer alleged Thursday that the firms intentionally misled doctors and patients about the appropriate uses, safety and efficacy of their products. Feuer said the manufacturers downplay the risk of addiction to their drugs and exaggerate the benefits of continual use for pain.

The companies targeted in the civil lawsuit include Purdue Pharma, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Cephalon, Insys Therapeutics and Mallinckrod. Three wholesale distributors are also named.

The firms didn’t immediately comment on the suit, which seeks to require the companies to pay costs, losses and damages resulting from their alleged behavior.

Health officials estimate 2,031 deaths occurred as a result of opioid overdoses in 2016.