Since 2019, Utah’s Division of Consumer Protection has pursued allegations that Purdue knew its prescription opioid OxyContin had a high risk of addiction and concealed that fact from consumers, while marketing it as less addictive than other painkillers. (Getty Images)
Utah will receive $57 million to combat the state’s opioid crisis if it joins the $7.4 billion settlement against the Sackler family and their former company, Purdue Pharma, the makers of OxyContin.
The Utah Attorney General’s Office and Utah’s Department of Commerce Division of Consumer Protection said they expect to join the settlement in a statement released Thursday.
Since 2019, Utah’s Division of Consumer Protection has pursued allegations that Purdue knew its prescription opioid OxyContin had a high risk of addiction and concealed that fact from consumers, while marketing it as less addictive than other painkillers.
Utah Attorney General Derek Brown said too many Utahns have been harmed by the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma.
“After I have reviewed the final written settlement, I anticipate Utah will join it, thereby ensuring that Utah families see the justice they deserve, and will encourage other states to do so as well,” he said in a statement. “I am unwavering in my commitment to fight against the companies that have unleashed this scourge on Utah communities, and I am committed to continuing the fight for Utah families and our children against illicit opioid and fentanyl use.”
Utah ranked 7th in the country for prescription drug poison deaths from 2013 to 2015, and Purdue gave prescribers in Utah $200,000 from 2013 to 2017, according to the statement from the Utah Attorney General’s Office.
In 2023, Utah reported 606 drug overdose deaths, with 169 of those involving at least one prescription opioid, and 290 deaths involving fentanyl.
As part of the settlement, the Sackler family will pay $6.5 billion over the next 15 years, and around $900 million will come from Purdue Pharma when it emerges from bankruptcy protection. The Sacklers’ control of Purdue Pharma will end, and they are restricted from selling opioids in the United States, according to the settlement.
Gov. Spencer Cox said the opioid epidemic has stolen too many lives.
“This settlement will not bring back those we’ve lost, but it will provide critical resources to help those struggling with addiction and prevent future tragedies,” he said. “We are committed to using these funds to support treatment, prevention, and education efforts and to build a brighter, healthier future for all Utahns.”
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