Attorney General Jason Miyares of Virginia has announced a $350 million national settlement with Publicis Health, a global marketing and communications firm, to resolve investigations into its role in the prescription opioid crisis. The settlement aims to provide more financial support for treatment and recovery efforts, establish lasting infrastructure, and ultimately save lives.
In a statement, Attorney General Miyares expressed the impact of the opioid epidemic on communities in Virginia: "The opioid epidemic has impacted every community in Virginia, destroying relationships and tearing apart families. Although it is impossible to quantify the value of the lives lost, I’m glad that my office has secured $7.82 million to go towards education, prevention, and recovery efforts."
The settlement requires Publicis to disclose thousands of internal documents detailing its work for opioid companies, including Purdue Pharma, on a public website. The company will also no longer accept client work related to opioid-based controlled substances. Court documents reveal how Publicis played a significant role in marketing and selling opioids for Purdue Pharma, acting as their agency of record for branded opioid drugs, such as OxyContin. The company even developed sales tactics based on private recordings of personal health-related conversations between patients and providers.
Virginia has been proactive in holding drug manufacturers accountable for their contribution to the opioid crisis. To date, the state has secured over $1 billion in legal settlements with drug manufacturers and others involved.
The investigation and settlement were led by Colorado, with the support of attorneys general from California, Connecticut, Idaho, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, and Vermont, along with the attorneys general from all states, territories, and the District of Columbia.
This settlement marks another significant step in addressing the opioid crisis and providing much-needed resources for affected communities. With the disclosure of internal documents and the cessation of opioid-related client work, Publicis is taking responsibility for its role in the crisis. The funds secured from the settlement will play a crucial role in supporting education, prevention, and recovery efforts in Virginia.