While state and local governments are filing a profusion of suits against drug companies to recoup costs of the opioid crisis, the trend has been slow to take hold in New Jersey. But opioid litigation is seen as having strong prospects if it can zero in on malfeasance by drug manufacturers and distributors, some observers said.

A half-dozen states have filed suits against drugmakers over the opioid crisis, and New Jersey is part of a coalition of 41 states that is investigating the role of pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors in the growth in addiction to opioids. But even as Gov. Chris Christie has made fighting drug addiction a top priority for the remainder of his term, Attorney General Christopher Porrino indicated on Monday that the state is taking a cautious approach toward deciding whether to address the problem through litigation.

“We're taking a hard look at the advertising and marketing practices of opioid manufacturers in New Jersey. We'll decide what, if anything, to do based on the outcome of that investigation,” Porrino said.