N.Y. hits firm in opioid suit

ALBANY — New York’s attempt to crack down on drug companies for their role in the opioid addiction crisis has its first target — Purdue Pharma.

Gov. Cuomo and Acting Attorney General Barbara Underwood on Wednesday announced plans to sue the Connecticut-based Purdue Pharma for its “reckless disregard” in pushing health care providers to prescribe opioids.

“It is clear to us that Purdue profited by deliberately exploiting New Yorkers’ addictions, and by pushing health care providers to increase patients’ use and dependence on these potentially fatal drugs,” Underwood said.

The lawsuit is the first to be announced after Cuomo in his January State of the State address announced an initiative to hold drug companies legally accountable for helping to create the opioid crisis.

“We said we would sue to hold opioid manufacturers and distributors responsible, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” Cuomo said.

In a statement, the company said, “We vigorously deny these allegations and look forward to the opportunity to present our defense.”