Opioid drug maker seeks dismissal of Alaska lawsuit

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – The maker of the prescription opioid painkiller OxyContin is asking a judge in Alaska to dismiss a lawsuit that blames the company for the state’s epidemic of opioid abuse.

Arguments are scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Anchorage.

The state sued Purdue Pharma and its affiliates last year, alleging deceptive marketing practices.

Similar cases involving other states are pending around the country. Purdue has denied the allegations.

In court filings, Purdue attorneys say the state is trying to hold the company liable while disregarding factors such as a doctor’s judgment, a patient’s decision on how to use the drug and the state’s decision on whether to cover drug costs through Medicaid.

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