In a pivotal decision, the US Supreme Court has overturned Purdue Pharma LP’s $6 billion opioid settlement, unraveling a deal that would have provided substantial funds for opioid epidemic relief efforts in exchange for legal protection for the company’s billionaire owners. The 5-4 ruling has significant implications for Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family, who have been at the center of the opioid crisis controversy.
The settlement plan, which aimed to shield the Sackler family from lawsuits while they surrendered ownership of Purdue Pharma and contributed up to $6 billion, was deemed improper by the justices. The ruling brings renewed uncertainty for Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, as it navigates ongoing litigation and accountability for its role in the addiction crisis.
This decision marks a critical turning point in the legal battle against Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, potentially opening the door for further lawsuits and increased scrutiny. It underscores the ongoing struggle for justice and relief for the countless individuals and communities devastated by the opioid epidemic.
