Trial opens after settlement proposals by three distributors, Teva and J&J fail to gain support of cities and counties. Distributors want to call former FDA Commissioner Kessler to testify over plaintiffs' objections. Judge rules plaintiffs cannot seek future damages.

Four distributors and Walgreens also remain defendants; court to consider Teva's motion to dismiss if the trial results in a judgement against its subsidiaries. Seven-week trial could include 215 witnesses and 21,000 exhibits.

Purdue's rise and fall through opioids will likely end in bankruptcy, raising new questions around ongoing lawsuits and shining a light on the toll the opioid liability will leave on the industry.