Major opioid epidemic trial begins in New York

A dozen drug manufacturers and distributors accused of fueling the nation's opioid epidemic face a jury for the first time Tuesday.

A dozen drug manufacturers and distributors accused of fueling the nation's opioid epidemic face a jury for the first time Tuesday during opening statements at what could be the most consequential opioids trial so far. New York and two of its largest counties, Nassau and Suffolk on Long Island, are seeking to hold Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Endo International, McKesson, Cardinal Health and other corporations responsible for the deadly epidemic, accusing them of contributing to a public nuisance. Johnson & Johnson avoided this trial by settling Saturday for $230 million. CVS settled with Nassau and Suffolk counties. There have been similar cases to go on trial in California and in West Virginia. Oklahoma won a $465 million judgment in the nation’s first trial. Unlike those, however, the one taking place in Central Islip is being heard by six jurors who will weigh assertions that both marketing and distribution of narcotic painkillers fostered widespread addiction and abuse.