Big trouble for big pharma – let our expert explain

Jun 27, 2019

2 min



Things are sunny and bright for the usually family-friendly image of Johnson & Johnson.


In fact, as more and more evidence and details are presented in a landmark lawsuit between the corporate giant and the State of Oklahoma.  The company could be facing financial calamity and its reputation might be a near impossible mission for any PR expert to recover.


As the state of Oklahoma’s multibillion-dollar lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson has unfolded over the past month, the company has struggled to explain marketing strategies its accusers say dangerously misrepresented the risk of opioid addiction to doctors, manipulated medical research, and helped drive an epidemic that has claimed 400,000 lives over the past two decades.


Johnson & Johnson profited further as demand for opioids surged by buying poppy growing companies in Australia to supply the raw narcotic for its own medicines and other American drug makers.


One expert witness at the forefront of combatting the epidemic, Dr Andrew Kolodny, told the court he had little idea about Johnson & Johnson’s role until he saw the evidence in the case.


“I think it’s fair to characterize Johnson & Johnson as a kingpin in our opioid crisis,” he said. – The Guardian, June 19


But what is next?


  • Will this lawsuit be duplicated in other states?
  • Are other big-pharma companies liable or in similar trouble?
  • And is this the gamechanger the industry needs?


There are a lot of questions and that’s where we can help.


Dr. Marc Sweeney is the Founding Dean of the School of Pharmacy at Cedarville University and is an expert in the fields of drug abuse, prescription drug abuse and Opioid addiction. Marc is available to speak with media regarding this growing issue. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.




You might also like...

Check out some other posts from Cedarville University

1 min

Covering King Charles? Our Expert can Help

It's news that has shocked the world and has citizens across Britain and the Commonwealth as well  loyal watchers of the British monarchy in deep concern. This week, King Charles was diagnosed with cancer. News was released Monday in a statement from the palalce. This news will raise many questions both in the UK and abroad. Will his medical condition make him consider stepping down? Is William ready to be King? Is there still a time, place and relevance for Royals in these modern times? If you're covering - let our experts help. Dr. Glen Duerr is a citizen of three countries. He was born in the United Kingdom, moved to Canada as a teenager, and then to the United States to obtain his Ph.D. His teaching and research interests comparative politics and international relations theory. Dr. Duerr is available to speak to media regarding this topic– simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.

1 min

Progress lost? Is there any chance for lasting peace in the Middle East?

War is on again in the Middle East - and after years of talks, negotiations and most recently the Abraham Accords - has it all been lost now that war has returned? Glen Duerr, Ph.D. a Professor of International Studies at Cedarville University and a renowned expert in the areas of international relations and comparative politics, can explain the peace process and what might be next in Arab-Israeli relations. If you're covering this ongoing war and need to know more - then let us help with your questions and stories. Dr. Duerr is an expert on this subject and is available to speak to media regarding this topic– simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.

1 min

Middle East 101: Our expert walks you through centuries of tension and how we go to where we are today

There's nothing new about tensions, clashed and all out war in the Middle East. For thousands of years, it has been an area that has seen bloodshed, war and very few moments of peace. With all of the world watching the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, a quick lesson in the history of the region might help everyone understand this very complex region a little easier. It's why we sat down with Glen Duerr, Ph.D. a Professor of International Studies at Cedarville and a renowned expert in the areas of international relations and comparative politics. If you're covering this ongoing war and need to know more - then let us help with your questions and stories. Glen is an expert on this subject and is available to speak to media regarding this topic– simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.

View all posts