Opioid maker J&J, distributors near $26B deal with US states

Along with Johnson & Johnson, the proposed settlement includes distributors McKesson Corp, Cardinal Health Inc and AmerisourceBergen Corp.

Opioid maker Johnson & Johnson and three drug distributors are expected to disclose this week the final terms of a $26 billion settlement for thousands of lawsuits accusing them of fueling a public-health crisis, according to people familiar with the deal. After years of negotiations with five states, the companies are poised to make the announcement Wednesday, according to the people who asked not to be identified discussing closed-door talks. Along with J&J, the proposed settlement includes McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc. and AmerisourceBergen Corp. More than 40 states are likely to sign onto the deal — others are expected to reject it in favor of moving ahead with existing court cases already set for trial, the people said.