Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a forthcoming multistate agreement with pharmaceutical company Mylan Inc. The agreement, amounting to up to $335 million, aims to address the impact of the opioid crisis across the nation. Mylan, which became part of Viatris, has been involved in the production and sale of various opioids such as generic fentanyl patches, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and buprenorphine since 2005. State attorneys general accused the company of misleadingly promoting these products as being less prone to abuse while being aware of their abuse potential, especially the fentanyl patches. Allegations suggest that Mylan's direct marketing to doctors contributed to overprescribing, thereby channeling opioids into illegal markets.

In his statement, Attorney General Bonta stressed the importance of accountability, stating, "Companies and individuals who fueled the opioid crisis must be held accountable. With today's announcement, the California Department of Justice is continuing to deliver results." Bonta emphasized the bipartisan nature of the issue, noting, "The opioid crisis does not distinguish between Democrats or Republicans – it has affected people from all walks of life."

The monetary settlement, contingent on the coalition's final agreement, offers the payment over a nine-year span to participating states. It results from the efforts of several state attorneys general, including those from California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia, who led the negotiation in collaboration with representatives from Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, and Vermont.