What was Teva's role in the opioid crisis?
Teva sold branded rapid-onset fentanyl products and generic opioids, was found responsible by a New York jury for contributing to the state's crisis, and in 2023 finalised a nationwide settlement of up to $4.25 billion — including $1.2 billion in generic Narcan.
Teva sold branded fentanyl products Actiq and Fentora, approved for cancer pain, and generic opioids including oxycodone. States alleged Teva promoted rapid-onset fentanyl products for non-cancer patients, deceptively marketed opioids by overstating benefits and downplaying addiction risk, including by promoting the idea that signs of addiction were "pseudoaddiction" to be treated with more opioids, and failed to monitor suspicious orders through its distributor Anda.
A New York jury had earlier found Teva responsible for contributing to the state's crisis. In 2023 Teva finalised a nationwide settlement of up to $4.25 billion over 13 years, including up to $1.2 billion in generic Narcan, with all 50 states and more than 99% of litigating local governments. Teva admitted no wrongdoing.