Historic Settlement Bars Sacklers from US Opioid Sales [View all]
Source: Newsweek
Published Jun 16, 2025 at 11:27 AM EDT | Updated Jun 16, 2025 at 12:52 PM EDT
In a historic settlement totaling $7.4 billion, the Sackler family has agreed to permanently cease all opioid sales in the United States and relinquish ownership of Purdue Pharma, the maker of the powerful painkiller OxyContin. This agreement—still considered a settlement in principle—represents the largest resolution to date involving individuals held responsible for the opioid epidemic. Newsweek has reached out to Purdue Pharma via email on Monday afternoon for comment.
Why It Matters
The opioid crisis has escalated in recent years as increased prescription of opioid medications led to misuse and overdose deaths. More than 760,000 people have died since 1999 from a drug overdose, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. And nearly 75 percent of those drug overdose deaths in 2020 involved an opioid.
What To Know
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, a Democrat, and Republican Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that all 55 attorneys general—from every U.S. state and territory—have signed onto the settlement, initially secured in January.
Under the terms of the deal, Purdue Pharma will be transformed into a public benefit company, with profits directed toward opioid addiction treatment and prevention. The Sacklers, who deny any wrongdoing, will contribute billions from their personal fortune—without filing for bankruptcy themselves—to a national opioid abatement trust.
Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/historic-settlement-bars-sacklers-us-opioid-sales-2086167
Some example press releases
PA AG PRESS RELEASE - AG Sunday Announces Historic Settlement wi[/bth Purdue Pharma and Sackler Family Regarding Manufacture, Distribution of Opioids that Fueled Addiction Epidemic]
NY AG PRESS RELEASE - Attorney General James Announces Every State Has Joined $7.4 Billion Settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler Family
RI AG PRESS RELEASE - Attorney General Neronha announces recovery of nearly $30 million for Rhode Island in settlement with Purdue Pharma for their role in the opioid epidemic
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