State Lawsuit To Move Forward Against Pharmaceutical Companies

The lawsuit filed by state Attorney General Mike Hunter alleges those companies knew opioids were highly addictive and misled doctors and patients by downplaying the dangers; an allegation experts say has lead to the nation's deadly opioid epidemic.

According to Hunter, roughly 3,000 people died after overdosing in the last three years and nearly 1,300 infants were born already addicted. 

Oklahoma is one of more than 100 states and cities suing major drug companies for what they say was a campaign to put profits over people.

Here's what the state's attorney had to say after Tuesday's ruling. 

News 9's request for comment from the drug companies was denied. There hasn't been a specified amount the state is seeking in the suit but Hunter has alluded to a number in the billions.