Share this @internewscast.com

Consulting firm McKinsey & Co has agreed to pay $78 million to resolve claims by U.S. health insurers and benefit plans that it fueled an epidemic of opioid addiction through its work for drug companies including OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma.

The settlement was disclosed in papers filed on Friday in federal court in San Francisco. It marked the last in a series of settlements McKinsey has reached resolving lawsuits over the U.S. opioid epidemic.

Plaintiffs accused McKinsey, one of the leading global consulting firms, of contributing to the deadly drug crisis by helping drug manufacturers including Purdue Pharma design deceptive marketing plans and boost sales of painkillers.

McKinsey previously paid $641.5 million to resolve claims by state attorneys general and another $230 million to resolve claims by local governments. It has also settled cases by Native American tribes.

Friday’s class action settlement, which requires a judge’s approval, resolves claims by so-called third-party payers like insurers that provide health and welfare benefits.

Paul Geller, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, in a statement said the drug crisis was caused by an oversupply of dangerous addictive drugs, and the case aimed to “recover some of the money spent on the over-prescribed pills.”

McKinsey did not admit wrongdoing. In a statement, the firm said it continued to believe its past work was lawful. It also noted it had committed in 2019 to no longer advise clients on any opioid-related business.

Thousands of lawsuits have been filed by states, local governments and Native American tribes accusing drug companies of downplaying the risks of opioid painkillers, and distributors and pharmacies of ignoring red flags that they were being trafficked illegally.

The litigation has resulted in more than $50 billion in settlements with drugmakers, distributors and pharmacy chains.

Nearly 645,000 people died in the United States from overdoses involving opioids, both prescription and illicit, from 1999 to 2021, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The U.S. Supreme Court earlier this month heard a challenge by President Joe Biden’s administration to Purdue Pharma’s multi-billion-dollar bankruptcy settlement resolving related claims against the drugmaker.

Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; editing by Diane Craft

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Morning Minute: Home Now

Unlock Your Day: Transform Your Home Routine with These Morning Minute Tips

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 Good morning! Welcome to RedState’s “Morning Minute,” your…
'Doomsday Clock' ticks closer to midnight over global threats, group says

Global Threats Push ‘Doomsday Clock’ Closer to Midnight, Experts Warn

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has issued a stark warning that…
Amazon stores closing: Amazon to close Amazon Go, Amazon Fresh locations to concentrate on Whole Foods, grocery delivery

Amazon Shifts Focus: Closing Amazon Go and Fresh Locations to Enhance Whole Foods and Grocery Delivery Services

In a strategic shift, Amazon has announced the closure of all its…
Identity theft: 'Ghost students' can steal your identity, enroll you in school and take student loans out, ruining your credit

Beware of ‘Ghost Students’: How Identity Thieves are Hijacking Your Credit with Fraudulent School Enrollments and Student Loans

In a troubling trend, “ghost students” are emerging as a new breed…
Robot snow plow: Viral video shows autonomous Yarbo blower at work in Chester, New Jersey

Autonomous Yarbo Snow Blower Captivates Chester, NJ, as Viral Video Showcases Its Efficiency

CHESTER, New Jersey — As snow blanketed the state, a Morris County…
FBI investigating Minnesota anti-ICE Signal group chats, Patel says

FBI Probes Minnesota Anti-ICE Signal Chats, Patel Reveals: Uncovering the Digital Trail

Federal authorities have begun an inquiry into alleged organized Signal group chats…
The high-speed chase ended with the teen crashing the SUV.

Watch: Missing Teen in Stolen SUV Reaches Over 115 mph, Crosses Into Oncoming Traffic, and Rolls Over

A dramatic dashcam video has surfaced, capturing the intense moment when a…
Tech tycoon husband arrested after wife found dead below mountain highway in wealthy enclave

Tech Mogul Arrested Following Wife’s Mysterious Death Near Exclusive Mountain Enclave

In a significant breakthrough, investigators have apprehended the estranged husband of a…
Federal judge issues temporary order prohibiting removal of 5-year-old Liam COnejo and father who were detained in Minnesota

Judge Temporarily Blocks Deportation of 5-Year-Old Liam Conejo and Father Detained in Minnesota

In a recent development that underscores the ongoing debates surrounding immigration in…
Late scuffle overshadows Nets’ 106-102 loss to Suns

Tense Late-Game Altercation Highlights Nets’ Narrow 106-102 Defeat to Suns

The game reached its climax with a chaotic scene: a loose ball,…
Suspect in Bronx NYCHA killing charged with murder, held without bail

NYCHA Labels NYC as Top Offender in Property Mismanagement

Last week, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams embarked on a…
West Virginia man allegedly threatened to kill Trump supporters, ICE agents in online videos: report

West Virginia Man’s Disturbing Online Threats Target Trump Supporters and ICE Agents: A Shocking Report

A man from West Virginia has been arrested after allegedly sharing videos…