Attorney General Charity Clark has announced a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, addressing their role in the opioid crisis. The agreement involves a coalition of states and other parties and marks the largest settlement to date involving individuals linked to the opioid epidemic.
The Sackler family will pay up to $6.5 billion over 15 years, while Purdue Pharma is set to contribute nearly $900 million upon court approval. This settlement follows a previous one overturned by the United States Supreme Court in June 2024, which involved a contribution of up to $6 billion from the Sacklers.
This new agreement ends the Sacklers' control over Purdue Pharma and their ability to sell opioids in the U.S., channeling funds directly into communities for addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery programs over 15 years.
Vermont stands to benefit significantly from this settlement, receiving more than $22 million immediately rather than over an extended period as initially planned. "The Sackler family and Purdue Pharma are responsible for fueling the opioid crisis, which has devastated Vermont communities and touched virtually every family," said Attorney General Clark. "While this settlement is a huge victory, it will never bring back the countless lives lost and relationships destroyed by this epidemic."
If approved by bankruptcy court, funds will be distributed among participating states like Vermont, local governments, affected individuals, and other parties who have previously sued Purdue or its owners.
The settlement includes eight heirs of Purdue founders Raymond and Mortimer Sackler: Richard, Kathe, Mortimer Jr., Ilene, David, Theresa Sackler; along with estates of Jonathan and Beverly Sackler. Their associated trusts, advisers, children, and heirs are also part of this agreement.
Joining Attorney General Clark in securing this deal are attorneys general from New York, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.