New York is suing the billionaire family behind the company that created OxyContin, joining a growing list of state and local governments seeking to hold not only the firm but its owners accountable for the nation's opioid crisis. But at the heart of the case are Purdue and the Sacklers, whom James called "the masterminds behind this crisis." Representatives for Purdue and Sackler family members said the suit misleadingly blames them for a problem that's far bigger than OxyContin. It accuses the companies of deliberately betraying their duties under state drug laws "in order to profiteer from the plague they knew would be unleashed." McKesson had no specific response to the New York suit but said it has "strong programs" to try to prevent opioid abuse.

Source: ABC News March 28, 2019 16:04 UTC