New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a significant settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, securing $7.4 billion to address the opioid crisis. The agreement involves a coalition of states and other parties led by the Office of the Attorney General. This settlement marks an end to the Sacklers' control over Purdue and their ability to sell opioids in the United States.
Attorney General James emphasized the impact of this settlement, stating, "Families throughout New York and across the nation are suffering from the immense pain and loss wrought by the opioid crisis." She added that while no financial compensation can fully repair the damage caused, these funds will aid communities in need.
The settlement includes up to $6.5 billion from the Sackler family over 15 years, with Purdue contributing nearly $900 million upon court approval. The funds will support opioid addiction treatment and prevention programs nationwide, with up to $250 million directly benefiting New York's efforts against opioid abuse.
In March 2019, Attorney General James initiated a lawsuit against various manufacturers and distributors linked to the opioid crisis, including Purdue Pharma and members of the Sackler family. A previous multistate settlement approved in 2021 was overturned by the United States Supreme Court in June 2024.
The new settlement does not provide automatic protection for the Sacklers but relies on consensual releases tied to their payments. It includes eight heirs of Purdue founders Raymond and Mortimer Sackler: Richard, Kathe, Mortimer Jr., Ilene, David, Theresa Sackler; along with Jonathan and Beverly Sackler's estates.
The attorneys general from several states joined Attorney General James in securing this settlement. With this agreement, she has secured more than $3 billion for New York from companies involved in the opioid epidemic.
This matter was managed by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy with assistance from Special Counsel David Nachman among others from various divisions within New York's Office of the Attorney General.