AG Griffin announces settlement in opioid treatment case

Attorney General Tim Griffin announced Monday (June 5) that Arkansas will receive $1.2 million as part of a multi-state settlement with opioid treatment manufacturer Indivior, Inc.

The state’s $1,240,768 is part of an overall $102,500,000 national settlement.

“Arkansas is one of 42 states that sued Indivior Inc., which makes the drug Suboxone — commonly used in the treatment of opioid addiction. The lawsuit addressed Indivior Inc.’s attempts to preserve its drug monopoly. The coalition of states has announced a settlement in the case, which includes a payment to the states as well as stipulations that Indivior Inc. comply with reporting requirements. Arkansas will receive $1,240,768 of the overall $102,500,000 settlement,” Griffin said.

“Opioid addiction is a scourge on our country, and it’s unconscionable that a company would put profits ahead of people’s suffering. I am pleased with the outcome of this case and appreciate the work of the coalition of states to ensure that Indivior Inc. follows the law,” Griffin added.

Under the terms of the settlement, the funds may be spent any one or more of the following purposes:

• Payment of attorneys’ fees and expenses;
• Antitrust or consumer protection law enforcement;
• Deposit into a state antitrust or consumer protection account for use in accordance with the state laws governing that account;
• Deposit into a fund exclusively dedicated to assisting state attorneys general enforce the antitrust laws by defraying the costs of a) expert economists and consultants in multistate antitrust investigations and litigation; b) training or continuing education in antitrust for attorneys in state attorney general offices; or c) information management systems used in multistate antitrust investigations and litigation; or
• Any other purpose as the attorneys general deem appropriate, consistent with state laws.