North Carolina’s state and local governments are set to receive up to $150 million as part of a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. This lawsuit stems from the impact of OxyContin on communities across the state.
Purdue Pharma, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, was named in the lawsuit for its role in fueling the opioid crisis. Plaintiffs argued that the company’s invention, manufacturing, and aggressive marketing of OxyContin over the years significantly contributed to the national epidemic of opioid addiction and overdose deaths.
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson emphasized the importance of this settlement, stating, “Purdue and the Sackler family are finally being held to account for their role in fueling addiction and deaths across North Carolina and the nation. This settlement means we will receive more funds than originally planned, and the Sacklers will be required to exit the opioid business entirely.”
The settlement, which is still pending court approval, will see the Sacklers paying up to $6.5 billion over the next 15 years, with Purdue Pharma contributing nearly $900 million. Additionally, the Sackler family will be forced to relinquish control of Purdue and will no longer be able to sell opioids in the United States. [source]