Judge dismisses Walmart's lawsuit seeking clarity over opioids

(Reuters) — A federal judge in Texas has dismissed Walmart Inc.'s lawsuit against the U.S. government in which the retailer was seeking clarity over the responsibilities of pharmacists in filling opioid prescriptions.

Walmart said Friday it will appeal.

In a decision on Thursday night, U.S. District Judge Sean Jordan said the government had not waived its sovereign immunity from being sued. The judge said that as a result, he lacked jurisdiction over the case.

Jordan's decision came six weeks after the government filed its own lawsuit accusing Walmart of fueling the U.S. opioid epidemic by having ignored warning signs from its pharmacists and filled thousands of invalid prescriptions.