New Jersey sues OxyContin maker, claims it misled public

This Feb. 19, 2013, file photo, shows OxyContin pills arranged for a photo at a pharmacy in Montpelier, Vt.
By Bruce Shipkowski, The Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the company that manufactures OxyContin, claiming a “direct link” between the state’s opioid crisis and the firm’s deceptive marketing practices.

State Attorney General Christopher Porrino says the five-count lawsuit against Connecticut-based Purdue Pharma and two of its entities seeks undisclosed monetary damages for fraud and false claims.

Purdue Pharma issued a statement saying it “vigorously denies” the allegations. The company said it’s deeply troubled by the opioid crisis and is dedicated to being part of the solution.

“As a company grounded in science, we must balance patient access to FDA-approved medicines, while working collaboratively to solve this public health challenge,” it said.

The state claims Purdue exploited vulnerable new markets, including the elderly and the “opioid-na–ve,” to boost profits. It claims Purdue aggressively marketed opioids and duped doctors and the public into believing they should be the primary treatment option for chronic conditions — like arthritis and migraines — despite the lack of any studies examining treatment periods longer than 12 weeks.

“When we point the finger of blame for the deadly epidemic that has killed thousands in New Jersey, Purdue is in the bull’s-eye of the target,” Porrino said. “Today, my office took the first step toward holding them legally and financially responsible for their deception.”