State sues company that produces OxyContin

One of the major pharmaceutical companies behind the manufacture of narcotic painkillers violated Alaska's consumer protection laws, according to a new lawsuit filed by the State of Alaska.

Attorney General Jahna Lindemuth announced the 85-page complaint against Purdue Pharma in a news conference Tuesday, saying the company and its affiliates are guilty of "misleading, deceptive marketing practices."

Purdue produces OxyContin, an opioid painkiller that is frequently abused and often leads to heroin use.

Other states have filed similar lawsuits against the company in recent weeks.

"There are a number of levers to pull, and this is one of them," Gov. Bill Walker said of the filing.