This archive report was first published on 12 September 2019.
Published on September 12, 2019, a tentative settlement between Purdue Pharma and thousands of opioid-related cases has sparked outrage from several states not involved in the deal.
The sticking point revolves around the timing of the Sackler family's sale of Mundipharma, their global pharmaceutical business, and their contribution from the proceeds. Attorneys general from Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut had been pushing for the family to sell Mundipharma immediately and discontinue manufacturing drugs for international markets.
They also sought an additional $1.5 billion upfront from the Sacklers. However, the family rejected these terms.
Letitia James, New York's attorney general, called the deal 'an insult, plain and simple.' Gurbir S. Grewal, New Jersey's attorney general, vowed that 'if Purdue cannot pay for the harm it inflicted, the Sacklers will.' Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania's attorney general, announced plans to sue the Sacklers.
Maura Healey, Massachusetts' attorney general, emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, stating, 'It's critical that all the facts come out about what this company and its executives and directors did, that they apologize for the harm they caused, and that no one profits from breaking the law.'
William Tong, Connecticut's attorney general, expressed readiness to pursue the case aggressively, stating, 'I cannot predict whether Purdue will seek bankruptcy, but all I can say is we are ready to aggressively pursue this case wherever it goes.'
