Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced on May 1 that a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family, has become legally effective. The settlement follows nearly ten years of investigations and litigation by attorneys general from across the United States regarding Purdue’s and the Sacklers’ role in the opioid crisis.
The issue is significant as it addresses accountability for one of the largest drug crises in U.S. history, impacting communities nationwide. Missouri will receive more than $91 million from the settlement to support addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery efforts.
According to Hanaway, “For too long, parents, children, and communities across our state have borne the heartbreaking costs of the opioid epidemic. Purdue Pharma’s actions have harmed countless consumers, and this settlement brings accountability and a measure of justice for the victims of this devastating crisis.” She added that her office will continue working to protect consumers in Missouri.
Fifty-five attorneys general representing all eligible states and territories signed onto the agreement. The settlement permanently bars members of the Sackler family from selling opioids in the United States and requires them to pay over $1.5 billion immediately—with additional payments scheduled through 2029—and mandates public disclosure of more than 30 million documents related to their opioid business.
Valerie Huhn, Director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health said: “The opioid epidemic has taken an enormous toll on the citizens and communities of Missouri. These settlement dollars directed to state and local governments are extremely important to support public health responses like expanded treatment and prevention programs.”
As part of this resolution, Purdue’s manufacturing operations will transfer to Knoa Pharma LLC under new independent oversight designed to prevent future marketing or misuse risks associated with opioids.
