Publicis Health Settles for $350M Over Opioid Marketing Claims

The landmark settlement marks the first major case against an advertising firm in the opioid crisis, with funds aimed at combating the epidemic.

Publicis Health, part of the French media conglomerate Publicis Groupe, agreed to pay $350 million to settle claims related to its marketing of opioids, marking the first major settlement involving an advertising company in the opioid crisis.
The settlement, negotiated with U.S. state attorneys general, requires Publicis Health to pay the amount within 60 days and prohibits the company from taking on any future opioid-related marketing projects.
Publicis Health's marketing strategies for Purdue Pharma, including the promotion of OxyContin, were accused of contributing to the opioid epidemic by encouraging overprescription and misleading about the drugs' safety.
The settlement includes the release of internal documents detailing Publicis Health's work for Purdue Pharma and other opioid manufacturers, providing insight into the marketing practices that fueled the crisis.
States will use the settlement funds primarily for opioid abatement, treatment, and prevention efforts, as the nation continues to grapple with the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic.