Oklahoma prosecutors say J&J used ‘brainwashing campaign’ to boost opioid sales

pharmafile | May 30, 2019 | News story | Research and Development J&J, JJ, opioid crisis, opioids, pharma, public health 

Oklahoma state prosecutors have accused Johnson & Johnson of engaging in a “cynical, deceitful, multibillion-dollar brainwashing campaign” to boost sales of opioid drugs.

The healthcare conglomerate played a leading role in fuelling “the worst manmade health crisis in the history of the country and the state,” Oklahoma’s attorney general, Mike Hunter said.

The firm ignored research on the dangers of painkillers as they sought to “establish opioid analgesics as the magic drug.”

According to Hunter, J&J “acted as the kingpin behind this public health emergency, profiting at every stage.”

“It is a manmade crisis. The evidence will show this is a drug company made crisis,” Hunter added. “J&J knew that opioid drugs are addictive and cause harm.”

Oklahoma prosecutor Brad Beckworth, continued in alleging that J&J used a web of influence to underplay the dangers of opioid drugs.

“How did it happen” Hunter asked. “Greed… Money can make people and businesses do bad things. Very bad things,” Hunter explained.

“Our actions in the marketing and promotion of these important prescription pain medications were appropriate and responsible,” J&J said in a statement.

“The FDA-approved labels for these prescription pain medications provide clear information about their risks and benefits. The allegations made against our company are baseless and unsubstantiated.”

Louis Goss

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