New York Attorney General Letitia James secures a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, marking a significant victory in the fight against the opioid crisis.
At a Glance
- A $7.4 billion multistate settlement has been reached with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family for their role in the opioid crisis
- The settlement ends the Sacklers’ control of Purdue and their ability to sell opioids in the U.S.
- Funds will support opioid addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery programs over the next 15 years
- This is the largest settlement to date with individuals responsible for the opioid crisis
- The settlement does not offer automatic protection from liability for the Sacklers
Landmark Settlement Reached in Opioid Crisis
In a significant development in the fight against the opioid epidemic, a coalition of states led by New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. The agreement, announced by multiple state attorneys general, marks a turning point in holding those responsible for the opioid crisis accountable.
The settlement, which is the largest to date with individuals responsible for the opioid crisis, will provide substantial funds for opioid addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery programs across the nation over the next 15 years. New York State is set to receive up to $250 million from the agreement, contributing to a total of over $3 billion in opioid-related recoveries for the state.
JUST IN: Members of the family who own OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma agreed to pay up to $7.4 billion in a new settlement to lawsuits over the toll of the powerful prescription painkiller, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Thursday.
https://t.co/bst7JP13Km— WBAL NewsRadio 1090 and FM 101.5 (@wbalradio) January 23, 2025
Did James…do something good for once? Maybe if she spent more of her time doing things like this rather than stalking Trump, she’d be more popular.
End of Sackler Control and Future Implications
A key component of the settlement is the termination of the Sackler family’s control over Purdue Pharma. The company will be transferred to a board of trustees selected by participating states, effectively ending the Sacklers’ ability to sell opioids in the United States. This move is seen as a crucial step in preventing future harm and reshaping the landscape of opioid manufacturing and distribution.
“For decades, the Sackler family fueled waves of opioid addiction and overdose deaths across the country, causing our families immense devastation and loss,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said.
The settlement does not provide automatic protection from liability for the Sackler family. Instead, it is based on consensual releases in exchange for the payments the Sacklers will be making. This approach leaves the door open for potential future legal actions against the family.
The $7.4 billion settlement will be distributed over several years, with $1.5 billion to be paid in the first three years, followed by additional payments. These funds are earmarked for various initiatives to combat the opioid crisis, including treatment programs, prevention efforts, and recovery support services.
“While nothing can restore the damage done, this settlement will provide Texans valuable resources to help prevent more opioid abuse. It was an honor to help lead these negotiations and I will never stop ensuring that justice is secured for those affected,” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said.
In addition to the financial compensation, the settlement includes a provision to make public over 30 million documents related to Purdue and the Sacklers’ opioid business. This unprecedented level of transparency is expected to shed light on the inner workings of the company and the family’s role in the opioid crisis.
