January 23, 2025
Please see below a statement from O’Neill Institute expert, Regina LaBelle, J.D., director of the Center on Addiction and Public Policy, on the proposed $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and members of the Sackler Family that previously owned the company.
“Ultimately, only those who initially filed claims against Purdue will decide if this settlement is acceptable. By agreeing to these terms, it would put an end to years of legal wrangling and provide much needed dollars to communities and individuals who have been coping with harms experienced in the wake of the opioid epidemic. However, the provision that requires a ‘set aside’ of up to $800 million in settlement dollars to pay to defend the Sackler family against future litigation is another example of the hubris displayed throughout this process.”
If you are interested in a 1:1 interview with Regina LaBelle, please contact Heena Patel, O’Neill Institute Director of Strategic Communications, at hp498@georgetown.edu.