AG Aaron M. Frey Announced Resolution in the Purdue Pharma Lawsuit Today.

Attorney General Aaron M. Frey announced today a resolution of his lawsuit against the Sackler family and its company, Purdue Pharma.  – a resolution that will go a long way in defeating a scourge illegally brought upon this nation by the greed of one family.

Maine is expected to receive approximately $20 million during the next nine years out of a settlement of $4,325 billion toward abatement, treatment and recovery efforts in Maine.  Thousands of individual victims of Purdue’s misconduct will also receive compensation as part of the bankruptcy process that is underway for Purdue.  The resolution of the lawsuit, which was filed in bankruptcy court last night is subject to its approval.

Significantly, the resolution also calls for the public distribution of millions of documents related to the Sackler’s role in the opioid crisis.  These documents include. but are not limited to,  those related to past lawsuits, investigations, attorney-client privilege communications with its lawyers about tactics for pushing opioids. A real treasure trove of insider information

Under the terms of the resolution, the Sacklers will be permanently banned from the opioid business and Purdue will be sold or wind down by the end of 2024.  The resolution also requires the Sacklers to relinquish control of family foundations holding $1.75 million in assets to the trustees of a foundation dedicated to abating the opioid crisis.  Additionally, the Sacklers will be prohibited from requesting or permitting any new naming rights in connection with charitable or similar donations or organizations for the next nine years.

“No amount of money can undo the damage Purdue and the Sacklers have done to millions of families across Maine and the country,” said Frey.  “But the public disclosure required of Purdue in this agreement is important for understanding how the opioid crisis developed and the money states are receiving for abatement is crucial for investing in prevention, treatment and recovery efforts.”