EX-ADDICTS, KIN SUE DRUGMAKER

JONESVILLE, Va. - A multibillion-dollar lawsuit has been filed against
the makers of the painkiller OxyContin and two doctors, claiming that
they failed to warn patients that the drug was dangerously addictive.

The drug, intended for use by terminal cancer patients and chronic
pain sufferers, has been linked to at least 120 overdose deaths nationwide.

The suit was filed Friday in Lee County Circuit Court by seven people
who are former addicts or relatives of addicts. The suit, which seeks
class-action status for other victims, alleges that the drug's makers
aggressively marketed the painkiller while downplaying its risks.

Named as defendants are Purdue Frederick Co., Purdue Pharma L.P. and
Purdue Pharma Inc., and Abbott Laboratories.

Also named are doctors Richard Norton and Shireen Brohi.