A judge in Oklahoma signed off on the state's $85 million settlement with Israeli-owned Teva Pharmaceuticals on Monday following a squabble between the attorney general, legislature and governor over how the deal was structured.
Cleveland County District Judge Thad Balkman signed the agreement calling for the funds to be used to help abate the state's opioid crisis.
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Under the deal, Teva admitted to no wrongdoing and agreed not to promote opioids in Oklahoma. The company also agreed to help law enforcement investigate cases of opioid drug diversion or other criminal activity.
"The resources and terms of the agreement will help abate the ongoing crisis the state is facing, help prevent doctors and Oklahomans from being misled by marketing materials and provides law enforcement with another investigative tool to help us shut down pill mills and illicit enterprises," Oklahoma Attorney-General Mike Hunter said in a statement.
A Teva spokeswoman didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on the settlement's approval.
Under the deal, outside attorneys hired by the state will receive nearly $13 million of the settlement money. The rest of the funds will be placed into a special account in the state treasury.
Balkman said the deal also does not release Teva from any separate claims that might be brought by individual cities or counties. At least nine Oklahoma cities have separately filed claims against similar drug manufacturers, including Teva.
