South Raleigh News

Attorney General Jeff Jackson has announced a $7.4 billion settlement in principle with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family for their involvement in the opioid crisis. The settlement, which is subject to court approval, requires the Sacklers to pay up to $6.5 billion over 15 years and Purdue nearly $900 million. This agreement marks a significant step in holding those responsible accountable for contributing to the nation's opioid epidemic.

The funds from this settlement will be directed toward communities across the United States over the next 15 years, supporting addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery programs. North Carolina is set to receive as much as $150 million from this agreement under its Memorandum of Agreement.

“Purdue and the Sackler family are finally being held to account for the role they’ve played in fueling addiction and deaths across North Carolina and the nation,” stated Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “This settlement means we will get more money than the original plan and the Sacklers will be required to exit the opioid business.”

If approved, most of the funds will be distributed within three years, with an initial payment of $1.5 billion from the Sacklers and nearly $900 million from Purdue. Subsequent payments include $500 million after one year, another $500 million after two years, and $400 million after three years.

The settlement includes several provisions: states and creditors will select a board of trustees to determine Purdue's future operations; Purdue will remain under monitoring without lobbying or marketing opioids; and more than 30 million documents related to their opioid business will be made public.

Previously, a multistate settlement approved by a U.S. Bankruptcy Court required Purdue and the Sacklers to pay over $4.5 billion but was invalidated by the Supreme Court in June 2024. The current agreement does not grant automatic liability protection but involves consensual releases for payments made by the Sacklers.

The settlement covers eight heirs of Purdue founders Raymond and Mortimer Sackler who served on its board: Richard, Kathe, Mortimer Jr., Ilene, David, Theresa Sackler; along with Jonathan's estate and Beverly's estate; associated trusts; advisers; most children; and heirs.

Including this latest agreement, North Carolina has secured nearly $1.6 billion in opioid settlements through efforts led by Attorney General Jackson alongside Attorneys General from New York, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, Pennsylvania Tennessee Texas Vermont Virginia West Virginia.

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