The Sacklers, Who Made Billions From OxyContin, Win Immunity From Opioid Lawsuits
NPRThe Sacklers, Who Made Billions From OxyContin, Win Immunity From Opioid Lawsuits Enlarge this image toggle caption Brian Mann Brian Mann Members of the Sackler family who are at the center of the nation's deadly opioid crisis have won sweeping immunity from opioid lawsuits linked to their privately owned company Purdue Pharma and its OxyContin medication. Federal Judge Robert Drain approved a bankruptcy settlement on Wednesday that grants the Sacklers "global peace" from any liability for the opioid epidemic. In his bench ruling, Drain acknowledged the devastating harm caused by Purdue Pharma's opioid products, which he said contributed to a "massive public health crisis." "Instead of years of value-destructive litigation, including between and among creditors, this plan ensures that billions of dollars will be devoted to helping people and communities who have been hurt by the opioid crisis," said Steve Miller, who chairs Purdue Pharma's board of directors, in a statement sent to NPR.