Arkansas Files "Unprecedented" Lawsuit Against Opioid Drug Industry
The state of Arkansas, Arkansas counties, and Arkansas cities have filed a lawsuit against the opioid drug industry in the Circuit Court of Crittenden County. The unique litigation will represent 90 percent of Arkansas's population, with 72 counties and 210 cities participating. "Though other lawsuits have been filed in federal courts across the country, Arkansas is the only state that has united in this fashion," said Chris Villines, executive director of the Association of Arkansas Counties. Don Zimmerman, executive director of the Arkansas Municipal League, commented: "Arkansas's one-voice approach to this lawsuit is one that gives us a seat at the table. Neither the state or any county or city is big enough alone; this litigation approach ensures that recovered damages remain in Arkansas." Arkansas reportedly experiences over 400 fatal overdoses a year, a number that has increased nearly 300 percent since 2000 and "coincides with opioid sales quadrupling". The state ranks second in the nation for ages 12-17 in misuse of opioids (4.67%) behind Alabama, which is the only other state with a higher opioid prescribing rate than Arkansas, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to PRNewswire, "Arkansas, its counties, cities and taxpayers have funded the enormous societal costs of the opioid epidemic, but have had insufficient revenue to turn the tide of the epidemic". prnewswire.comARCounties.orgARML.org
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Beyond the Prescription: Pharma's Role in Digital Health Conversations
April 1st 2025Join us for an insightful conversation with Jennifer Harakal, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Canopy Life Sciences, as we unpack the evolving intersection of social media and healthcare decisions. Discover how pharmaceutical companies can navigate regulatory challenges while meaningfully engaging with consumers in digital spaces. Jennifer shares expert strategies for responsible marketing, working with influencers, and creating educational content that bridges the gap between patients and healthcare providers. A must-listen for pharma marketers looking to build trust and compliance in today's social media landscape.
Pfizer, GSK Gain ACIP Recommendations for RSV and Meningococcal Vaccines
April 18th 2025The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to expand access to Pfizer’s respiratory syncytial virus vaccine Abrysvo for high-risk adults in their 50s and voted in favor of GSK’s meningococcal vaccine, Penmenvy, for streamlined adolescent protection.
