On January 23, 2025, Purdue Pharma’s owners, the Sackler family, proposed a revised settlement to resolve ongoing opioid litigation. This new offer includes a cash payment of up to $6.5 billion but does not grant them immunity from future lawsuits, which was previously a condition they sought.
- Sackler family increases cash settlement offer
- New deal excludes immunity from future lawsuits
- Up to $6.5 billion offered for settlement
- Claimants must create legal-defense fund
- New York could receive $250 million payout
- Sacklers will lose control of Purdue Pharma
The Sacklers’ latest proposal comes seven months after the Supreme Court rejected an earlier agreement aimed at settling thousands of opioid-related lawsuits against Purdue Pharma. The new framework stipulates that claimants—comprising states, municipalities, and individuals—must allocate as much as $800 million into a fund intended for the family’s legal defense against potential future claims.
Key details of the settlement announced by New York Attorney General Letitia James indicate that the total amount involved is approximately $7.4 billion, which includes $897 million directly from Purdue Pharma. Under this arrangement, New York could potentially receive up to $250 million.
- The Sacklers will no longer control Purdue Pharma once the deal is finalized.
- They will be prohibited from selling opioids in the U.S. again.
This development highlights ongoing efforts to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in the opioid crisis. Attorney General James emphasized that the Sackler family prioritized profits over patient welfare and contributed significantly to the epidemic’s escalation.
The revised settlement proposal marks a significant shift in negotiations surrounding Purdue Pharma and its owners while reflecting broader societal demands for accountability in addressing the opioid crisis.
