Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings has announced a significant $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and members of the Sackler family. This agreement, achieved with a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general, addresses the role of Purdue and the Sacklers in the opioid crisis.
AG Jennings remarked on the settlement's importance: "This is a bittersweet moment for everyone who has continued to fight to hold the Sacklers and Purdue accountable." She emphasized that while nothing can reverse past losses, if approved, the settlement would immediately provide over $27 million to Delawareans. These funds are seen as vital for a state that has been heavily impacted by the opioid epidemic.
Purdue Pharma, under Sackler leadership, was involved in creating and promoting opioids extensively, contributing to widespread addiction and fatalities. The settlement aims to end the Sacklers' control over Purdue and prevent them from selling opioids in the U.S., channeling funds directly into communities for treatment and recovery initiatives.
The settlement follows a previous multistate agreement overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2024. That earlier deal included up to $6 billion from the Sacklers but was contested by AG Jennings and other states due to its terms. The new agreement increases their contribution to $6.5 billion.
Under this arrangement, Delaware is set to receive an immediate payout rather than staggered payments over 18 years, contingent upon amending specific state laws. This approach mitigates non-payment risks and provides flexibility in tackling Delaware’s opioid issues promptly.
The settlement also mandates public disclosure of more than 30 million documents related to Purdue's operations once approved. This includes records linked to prior compliance measures dating back to 2007.
In past negotiations, AG Jennings successfully advocated for increasing financial contributions from both Purdue and the Sacklers. Joining her in these efforts were attorneys general from several states including California, Connecticut, New York, Texas, Virginia, among others.