Newly released federal data shows how drugmakers and distributors increased shipments of opioid painkillers across the U.S. as the nation's addiction crisis accelerated from 2006 to 2012. While OxyContin is the best-known prescription opioid, the Post analysis shows that Purdue accounted for just 3% of pills sold during that time. Drug distribution companies told The Post that the federal data would not exist without their providing accurate reports to the DEA. Polster asked attorneys from all sides Monday to suggest how DEA data collected for 2013 and 2014 should be protected. A trial in an opioid suit brought by Johnson & Johnson by Oklahoma in state court there wrapped up this week.

Source: ABC News July 17, 2019 03:16 UTC