The Sackler family and Purdue Pharma have reached a tentative agreement to pay a total of $7.4 billion to settle lawsuits related to their role in the U.S. opioid crisis. The Sacklers will contribute up to $6.5 billion, while Purdue Pharma will provide nearly $900 million.
This settlement comes after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a previous deal due to its provision granting the Sacklers immunity from future lawsuits. The funds will be distributed to states, local governments, and individuals affected by the opioid crisis, which claimed over 81,000 lives in 2023 alone. The Sacklers will pay the settlement over 15 years and relinquish control over Purdue Pharma. This agreement, negotiated by 15 attorneys general, still requires additional plaintiff agreement and court approval.