Indiana Secures Over $1.1B in Opioid Settlements Since 2021

Indiana Secures Over $1.1B in Opioid Settlements Since 2021

Introduction

Indiana is set to receive an additional $16.5 million as part of a nationwide opioid settlement involving several pharmaceutical manufacturers.

The announcement came from the Attorney General, who noted that this marks the 11th opioid-related settlement secured by the state. Since 2021, Indiana has obtained over $1 billion in opioid-related funds.

Settlement Involves Eight Drug Manufacturers

The latest $720 million national agreement includes settlements with eight manufacturers: Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Mylan (now Viatris), Sun, and Zydus. Indiana is one of several states benefiting from this multi-defendant settlement. Under the terms, some companies will pay their share over multiple years, while others are required to make a one-time payment.

Injunctive Terms Target Opioid Practices

In addition to financial compensation, the settlement imposes strict injunctive relief measures on the companies. These include prohibitions on opioid promotion, employee compensation tied to opioid sales, and the manufacturing or marketing of pills containing more than 40mg of oxycodone. The agreement also restricts opioid-related lobbying and product discounting, with the goal of reducing misuse and unethical marketing practices.

Attorney General: Accountability and Prevention

“This crisis has cost thousands of Hoosier lives,” said the AG in a statement. “While we can’t reverse that loss, we can pursue justice and accountability. These settlements are a key part of that effort, and I’m proud of what our team has accomplished.”

Overdose Deaths and Prescription Trends

According to the CDC, Indiana had the 13th highest drug overdose death rate in the U.S. in 2022, with a rate of 41 deaths per 100,000 people—a slight drop from the previous year. On a national level, synthetic opioid deaths are projected to fall to just over 48,422 in 2024, the lowest since 2019.

Historically, Indiana faced a high rate of opioid prescriptions. In 2012, the rate peaked at 112 prescriptions per 100 residents. From 2012 to 2016, 58 counties exceeded 100 prescriptions per 100 people.