Scott Higham

Fentanyl presented the biggest challenge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 50-year history. It faltered, according to former agents and DEA officials.

Judge David A. Faber dismissed the argument made by Cabell County and its seat, Huntington, that three drug distributors bore responsibility for the consequences of an inundation of opioids.

More than a quarter of top prescribers ranked by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals during the height of the pain pill epidemic, in 2013, were later convicted of crimes related to their medical practices, had their medical licenses suspended or revoked, or paid state and federal fines after being accused of wrongdoing, according to a Washington Post analysis.

New DEA data reveals that 24 billion additional pills than previously known to the public were distributed during the opioid epidemic.

Congress and others want the supply restricted to curb abuse, but former DEA officials say it cannot be done without hurting legitimate pain patients.

Unsealed court documents reveal how drug manufacturers paid doctors and movie stars to promote aggressive pain treatments and motivated their sales teams with contests and bonuses as the opioid epidemic heightened.

Drugmakers and groups that advocate for pain patients respond to The Post’s reporting.

The best-case scenario for areas grappling with this disaster could be a sweeping settlement among all the parties. But such a deal is unlikely in the near term, according to interviews with attorneys in the case and a survey of attorneys general nationwide.

Subpoenas have been issued to the giant drug distributor, one person has been indicted and two others told they are possible targets.

If the deal becomes final, it would be the first comprehensive settlement in the broad legal effort to hold drug companies accountable for their role in the opioid epidemic. Some states are still refusing to settle.