Create a free Manufacturing.net account to continue

Civil Trial Over OxyContin To Stay In Pike County

The lawsuit filed by Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway against OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma alleges that the company misled health care providers, consumers and government officials regarding the risk of addiction associated with OxyContin.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- A judge has ruled that a civil trial involving the maker of OxyContin should remain in Pikeville.

The lawsuit filed by Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway against OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma alleges that the company misled health care providers, consumers and government officials regarding the risk of addiction associated with OxyContin. Conway is seeking reimbursement of money spent on law enforcement, drug treatment programs and Medicaid prescriptions.

Purdue Pharma had requested that the trial be moved, saying an impartial jury couldn't be seated in Pike County. Prosecutors objected.

The Lexington Herald Leader (http://bit.ly/1eWr2RZ) reports Conway said in a statement that Circuit Judge Steven Combs issued an order denying the request.

"We appreciate the court's rulings and its careful consideration of this case, and we will continue to aggressively pursue this action," Conway said. "Purdue used everything in the playbook to keep this case out of Pike County. I look forward to the day when Purdue faces a Pike County jury and answers for its conduct that helped fuel a pill epidemic in this state."

Purdue Pharma spokesman James Heins said in a statement that the company "respectfully disagrees with the court's ruling" and is "assessing our options."

More in Operations