Bellwether trial in opioid lawsuits begin in Ohio 

Opening arguments are scheduled to begin today in the first federal trial over the opioid epidemic in the U.S. Two Ohio counties — Cuyahoga and Summit — are suing generics drug manufacturer Teva, four drug distributors as well as Walgreens over their alleged role in fueling the opioid crisis. Johnson & Johnson previously settled with the counties, and OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharma is trying to reach a deal for all its lawsuits through bankruptcy court. Today’s trial is considered a bellwether to provide a test case for other such trials against pharmaceutical companies. Negotiations to settle a larger case involving more than 2,600 lawsuits filed by local governments and other entities suing drug companies failed late last week, after those suing the companies didn't accept a deal that entailed $48 billion in cash, drugs for treatment, as well as other services for those battling opioid addiction.