NEWARK, N.J. — OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma will be dissolved and replaced by a company focused on the public interest by the end of this week, as a major legal settlement that resolves thousands of lawsuits goes into effect.
A federal judge sentenced the company Tuesday to a criminal sentence to resolve the Justice Department investigation, the final step needed to pave the way for a settlement.
STAT Plus: ‘The scum of the earth’: Opioid crisis victims confront Purdue Pharmaceutical executives
U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo made the decision after hearing hours of shocking statements from people who had lost loved ones or struggled with addiction themselves, asking her to reject the negotiated sentence. Although she didn’t go that far, she said she sympathized with those who have borne the brunt of the epidemic that has killed more than 900,000 people in the United States since 1999.
STAT+ exclusive story
Already have an account? Log in
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article and get in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.
Already have an account? Log in
Individual plan Group plan See all plans
To read the rest of this story, subscribe to STAT+.
Subscribe
Source link
