Endo International (ENDP) was sanctioned by a Tennessee state court judge for using a “coordinated strategy” to withhold millions of documents in a lawsuit contending the company contributed to the opioid crisis, the second time in less than a year the company was penalized for such behavior. The judge also rejected Endo’s request that he disqualify himself from the case.
In a harshly worded decision, circuit court Judge Jonathan Young found the drugmaker attempted to delay a lawsuit brought by dozens of counties and cities, which are seeking compensation after accusing Endo of allowing distribution of its prescription painkiller in the illegal drug market. About 75% of the alleged abuse of its flagship product, Opana ER, occurred in the state, according to court documents.