Virginia expected to receive $2M+ from opioid manufacturer lawsuit

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia is expected to receive $2.16 million from the $150 million lawsuit against an opioid pharmaceutical company.

An opioid manufacturer settled after failing to monitor suspicious activity that could’ve contributed to illegal opioid distribution.

Hikma Pharmaceuticals was sued by several state attorney generals for its role in fueling the opioid crisis, a release from Attorney General Jason Miyares states. Hikma produces branded and generic opioid products and sells hundreds of millions of opioid doses every year.

From 2006-2021, Hikma didn’t properly monitor or report suspicious behaviors from potentially illegal distributors, the release states.

The company is expected to pay $115 million in cash and $35 million in opioid addiction treatment medication for claims brought against Hikma. States that do not accept the medication can receive cash instead.

“It’s impossible to put a price on the devastation that opioid addiction has caused Virginians, Miyares said. “But by holding opioid manufacturers accountable for their role in this epidemic, my office is able to support rehabilitation treatment and education for struggling Virginia communities.”