A proposed settlement in the opioid epidemic lawsuits filed by states, cities, and counties is under negotiation. The proposed $26 billion settlement in the multi-district litigation against defendants Johnson & Johnson, McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., and AmerisourceBergen Corp. includes a $2 billion fund to pay attorney fees and costs. The amount also includes payment by those states, cities and counties to any private counsel hired by those entities.

If approved, an arbitration panel will administer the funds; however, the exact details are being finalized with U.S. District Judge Dan Polster. The settlement includes approximately 3,000 cases.

The case is In re National Prescription Opiate Litigation, case number 1:17-md-02804, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.