Law360: Drugmakers Not Liable For Calif. Opioid Crisis, Judge Finds

Orange County Superior Court Judge Peter J. Wilson rejected allegations brought against Johnson & Johnson, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Allergen PLC claiming that they created a “public nuisance” in the form of the opioid crisis. The case, which threatened US$50 billion in damages, is one in a slew of suits across the nation brought against pharmaceutical companies for allegedly improperly marketing and distributing painkillers. “Today’s well-reasoned tentative decision reflects the facts of the case: Janssen’s actions relating to the marketing and promotion of its important prescription pain medications were appropriate and responsible, and did not cause any public nuisance,” J&J said in a statement. 

Johnson & Johnson and its affiliates were represented by a trial team that included O’Melveny partners Michael G. Yoder, Steve Brody, Amy Laurendeau, and Amy R. Lucas.

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