The Office of the County Attorney for Montgomery County filed a lawsuit against McKinsey and Company for their role in the opioid epidemic in the United States District Court Northern District of California on Feb. 23.
The suit alleges that McKinsey worked as marketing advisors to several opioid manufacturers. According to the complaint, McKinsey worked with Purdue Pharmaceuticals to counter the “emotional message” from the families of overdose victims. Additionally, the defendants allegedly advised Purdue on how to “turbocharge” the sale of opioids.
According to the complaint, McKinsey’s work created and deepened the opioid crisis, both within Montgomery County and the United States.
“[McKinsey] must be made to account for their callous greed and the filing of this lawsuit marks an important milestone in our county’s efforts to do just that,” County Executive Marc Elrich said in a press release. “We will aggressively advocate for the many Montgomery County residents who have been harmed by this deadly and preventable epidemic. The actions and decisions of this company were immoral, inhumane, and unconscionable. They need to be held equally accountable.”
According to the County, McKinsey helped entities involved in the manufacturing, marketing and selling of opioids. McKinsey worked closely with clients providing guidance, consulting and marketing plans. Using this information Purdue significantly increased Oxytocin sales through physician targeting and messaging to prescribers, according to the County.
The County Council chose the law firm of DiCello Levitt to represent the County in this case.
“Like families across America, Montgomery County residents are affected daily by the profoundly devastating impacts of the opioid crisis, which have been deepened by the irresponsible marketing strategies of McKinsey,” Council President Evan Glass said in a press release. “I’m hopeful that these legal efforts will bring funds that can be used toward addressing this public health crisis and supporting the individuals and families who have been impacted.”
This is not the County’s first lawsuit against opioid manufacturers. Previous settlements are expected to bring the County $34 million over the next 18 years.
