Express Scripts Fueled Opioid Epidemic, Boston Lawsuit Claims

Express Scripts Inc. and OptumRX Inc. sought profits over human lives by deceptively marketing opioids and failing to report illegitimate prescriptions, according to a lawsuit brought Friday by the city of Boston.

The lawsuit claims the companies violated state and federal controlled substance laws. They allegedly gave opioids better placement on the national registry of drugs in exchange for profitable rebates, failed to limit their excessive distribution into communities, dispensed opioids through mail order pharmacies without effectively controlling diversion, and colluded with Purdue Pharma in marketing opioids to increase their sales.

Express Scripts and OptumRX are two of the largest ...