With more and more states going after pharmaceuticalcompanies over the opioid crisis, New Jersey is getting in on theaction.

State Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino filed a lawsuitTuesday against Purdue Pharma Inc., maker of the widely knownopioid OxyContin. The suit accuses the company ofhelping foster substance abuse through a "dangerously false"marketing campaign about the risks and benefits of the drugs.

“When we point the finger of blame for the deadly epidemic thathas killed thousands in New Jersey, Purdue is in the bulls eye ofthe target,” Porrino said in an email statement.

New Jersey joins at least 10 others states suing drug companiesincluding Purdue Pharma, Endo International Plc, and Johnson &Johnson’s Janssen Pharmaceuticals over sales of opioid painkillers.Dozens of cities and counties are also bringing suits while federalprosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into PurduePharma.

"We vigorously deny these allegations and look forward to theopportunity to present our defense," Purdue Pharma spokesman JohnPuskar said in an email statement. “We are deeply troubled by theopioid crisis and we are dedicated to being part of thesolution."

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