Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers on Monday announced that all 55 U.S. attorneys general have agreed to a $7.4 billion nationwide settlement with Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family, resolving litigation tied to the opioid epidemic.
The agreement, pending approval in bankruptcy court, would be the largest settlement to date with individuals held responsible for fueling the nation’s opioid crisis. It permanently ends the Sacklers’ control over Purdue and bars them from selling opioids in the U.S.
“This settlement holds the Sacklers accountable and brings historic resources to the states and local governments devastated by the opioid epidemic,” Hilgers said.
Under the terms, Nebraska’s state and local governments are expected to receive nearly $19.7 million over the next 15 years for treatment, prevention, and recovery efforts. Most of the funds will be distributed in the first three years, with initial payments totaling $2.4 billion from the Sacklers and Purdue.
The resolution follows decades of aggressive opioid marketing by Purdue, which many blame for triggering widespread addiction and overdose deaths. The deal mirrors prior opioid settlements but requires additional sign-on from local governments and final court approval. A hearing is scheduled in the coming days.
Hilgers was joined in the agreement by attorneys general from all 50 states, D.C., and five U.S. territories.