CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming county officials have filed a federal lawsuit against more than 15 pharmaceutical companies and distributors, claiming the drug companies misrepresented the addictive properties of opioids.

Carbon County filed the suit Tuesday seeking financial remediation as well as a stop to the promotion and distribution of opioids.

The suit claims the companies began a marketing campaign more than two decades ago that misled doctors and patients into believing that opioids can be used to treat chronic pain.

The suit is seeking a court order for the companies "to correct their misrepresentations and to abate the public nuisance they have created."

Attorney Jason Ochs says the county wants the case decided in Wyoming.

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