(CNN) Hours before the first federal trial in the opioid epidemic was set to begin, four pharmaceutical companies reached a settlement totaling $260 million. "The companies expect settlement funds to be used in support of initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic, including treatment, rehabilitation, mental health and other important efforts. Both Summit County and Cuyahoga County have announced plans for how settlement awards would be allocated. Attorneys for the plaintiffs welcomed the settlement, but said more work needs to be done in fighting the opioid epidemic. In doing so, the communities revealed facts about the roles of the opioid industry that created and fueled the opioid epidemic."

Source: CNN October 21, 2019 14:45 UTC