$7.4B Settlement Hits Purdue Pharma, Sackler Family for Opioid Crisis

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a monumental $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, responsible for the devastating opioid crisis that has ravaged the United States.

Attorney General James secured this historic deal in January, ending the Sacklers’ control of Purdue and ensuring funds are directed towards addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery programs across the nation. New York is set to receive up to $250 million of this sum.

Purdue, under the Sackler’s stewardship, played a pivotal role in creating the epidemic through aggressive marketing of opioid products. The impact has been severe in New York, where over 5,000 residents died from an opioid overdose in 2023 alone.

This settlement, if approved, will distribute funds to all participating states and territories, local governments, affected individuals, and parties who have previously sued the Sacklers or Purdue. Payments are expected in early 2026, with subsequent payments structured over 15 years.

Attorney General James has been relentless in her pursuit of justice for those affected by the opioid crisis, having secured more than $3 billion from various manufacturers and distributors, including Mylan, Johnson & Johnson, and others. She has also led settlements against major retailers and consulting firms complicit in fueling the crisis.

The inclusion of all eligible states and territories in this settlement is a testament to James’ leadership and dedication to tackling one of the most pressing issues facing the nation today.