Purdue Pharma and Sackler Family Reach $7.4 Billion Settlement Over OxyContin Lawsuits

Written by on January 26, 2025

Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family have agreed to a $7.4 billion settlement to resolve lawsuits related to the opioid crisis, marking a significant chapter in the legal battle over OxyContin’s role in the epidemic. The settlement, announced on January 24, includes $6.5 billion from the Sacklers and nearly $900 million from Purdue Pharma. This agreement replaces a previous deal rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2024.

The deal, which requires court approval, includes critical provisions: the Sacklers will relinquish ownership of Purdue Pharma, and up to $850 million will go directly to opioid crisis victims and their families. Additionally, $800 million is set aside for future settlements.

The settlement addresses widespread claims that Purdue aggressively marketed OxyContin while downplaying addiction risks. Since its introduction in 1996, opioids have been linked to hundreds of thousands of deaths in the U.S., with fatalities surging due to fentanyl since 2020.

While some states have yet to agree to the settlement, others, like New York and West Virginia, view it as a step toward accountability. Critics note the Sackler family’s wealth, much of which is reportedly inaccessible in offshore accounts, remains largely intact. If approved, the deal will bring closure to a years-long legal saga, providing funds to combat the ongoing opioid crisis.

Source: NPR


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