Drug companies ask Oklahoma judge to dismiss lawsuit

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A group of drug companies have asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Oklahoma attorney general that accuses the companies of fueling the state’s opioid epidemic through fraudulent marketing.

The Oklahoman reports about a dozen pharmaceutical companies filed a legal brief Friday saying they’ve complied with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s requirements to warn the public about potential risks that come with using their drugs.

The brief also says the companies can’t be blamed for all the state’s opioid-related problems.

If the Cleveland County judge doesn’t dismiss the case, drug companies are asking for proceedings to be delayed until the FDA can complete an investigation on the risks and benefits of opioids.

The companies were responding to Attorney General Mike Hunter’s June lawsuit.