The city of Boston is intensifying its legal efforts against the opioid epidemic by filing a lawsuit targeting pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The city’s complaint alleges that these PBMs collaborated with drug makers to promote the use of prescription opioids like Oxycontin, contributing to the emergence of an illegal market for these potent drugs.

Large companies like Express Scripts Pharmacy, ESI Mail Pharmacy Services, and Optum Rx are named defendants in the lawsuit, with the city claiming that these PBMs acted as “gatekeepers to the opioid market.

Zeroing In on PBM Optum Rx

Optum Rx, in response to the accusations, denied any wrongdoing and asserted its commitment to addressing the opioid issue. The lawsuit involves the city of Boston, its Public Health Commission, and the Boston Housing Authority as plaintiffs. While most lawsuits related to the opioid epidemic have …