Pa. Attorney General Josh Shapiro Says Purdue Pharma Settlement 'Far From Over'

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP/KDKA) - Nearly half the states and some 2,000 local governments have agreed to a tentative settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma over the toll of the nation's opioid crisis.

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said the agreement reached Wednesday included more money from the family that owns Purdue than had been offered previously.

He told The Associated Press the tentative settlement deal was the quickest way to get relief for communities devastated by the opioid epidemic.

However, Pennsylvania Attorney General doesn't think the settlement goes far enough.

"This apparent settlement is a slap in the face to everyone who has had to bury a loved one due to this family's destruction and greed," Shapiro said in a statement. "It allows the Sackler family to walk away billionaires and admit no wrongdoing. We know they targeted Pennsylvanians, especially seniors and veterans, which contributed to the crisis we are dealing with today that claims the lives of 12 Pennsylvanians a day. I won't let them get away with the harm they inflicted on our Commonwealth. This is far from over."

Sources with direct knowledge of the talks say that Stamford, Connecticut-based Purdue will pay up to $12 billion over time and that the Sackler family will give up control of the company. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

Paul Farrell is an attorney for several local governments. He said in a text message that they have agreed to a deal that has been on the table for several weeks.

Even with Wednesday's development, roughly half the states had not signed on. Several state attorneys general vowed to continue their legal battles against the company and the Sacklers.

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