According to Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh, the Sackler family will pay Maryland at least $39.6 million as a part of a $6 billion multi-state settlement agreement for its role in the opioid epidemic.
The Sackler family is most known for its ownership of Purdue Pharma, which manufactured the once-popular drug OxyContin. Contingent upon court approval, the newly announced settlement represents a substantial increase of between $1.175 to $1.675 billion from last August’s initial agreement of $4.325 billion. The settlement would also require distribution of Purdue’s remaining assets, injunctive relief, and a requirement that the Sacklers permanently exit the opioids business worldwide.
Attorney General Frosh expressed relief over the recently announced outcome in a press release:
“This hard-won settlement is a tremendous benefit for the country. It will save lives and continue our pursuit of justice for all who have suffered from the epidemic that has destroyed so many families and communities,” said Attorney General Frosh. “For decades, the Sacklers have evaded the law and engaged in a relentless, misleading marketing campaign that left millions ravaged by opioid addiction. We hope that today’s settlement will help make real progress against this crisis here in Maryland and across the country.
The total amount Maryland expects to receive from Purdue and the Sacklers overall– an estimated $121.9 to $132.2 million – will be used for opioid treatment and prevention.
