Thu Jan 23 17:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Sackler Family Offers Increased Opioid Settlement, But With a Catch
**New York, NY** – A tentative $7.4 billion settlement has been reached in the long-running opioid litigation against the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma. The deal, brokered by 15 states, significantly increases the previous offer but includes a controversial condition: a substantial legal defense fund for the Sacklers.
While the Sacklers will pay up to $6.5 billion – $500 million more than their previous offer – they will not receive immunity from future lawsuits. Crucially, the agreement requires claimants to contribute up to $800 million to a legal defense fund to cover the Sacklers’ costs in fighting any future opioid-related litigation.
New York Attorney General Letitia James announced parts of the framework, highlighting the $7.4 billion total, which includes $897 million from Purdue Pharma itself. New York stands to receive up to $250 million. James emphasized the Sacklers’ role in fueling the opioid crisis and stated that upon finalization of the deal, they will lose control of Purdue and be permanently barred from selling opioids in the US.
The agreement marks a significant development seven months after the Supreme Court rejected a prior settlement that granted the Sacklers immunity. While the increased financial offer addresses some concerns, the inclusion of the legal defense fund remains a point of contention. The finalization of the deal hinges on the acceptance of the terms by all involved parties.
First Piper 