CT To Receive Up To $64M After Judge Approves Purdue Opioid Settlement

HARTFORD, CT — A federal bankruptcy judge has approved a $7.4 billion settlement resolving long-running claims against Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family for their role in the opioid crisis, Attorney General William Tong announced Tuesday.

Under the settlement, Connecticut is slated to receive up to $64 million over the next eight years for treatment, prevention, recovery efforts, and direct support for victims and families.

The ruling permanently removes the Sacklers from the opioid business and ends their control of Purdue, the maker of OxyContin.

“Today’s confirmation permanently exiles the Sackler Family from the addiction industry,” Tong said, calling the agreement a step toward accountability.

Most of the funds will be paid in the first three years, and Tong said he will push for early funds to support a trust for survivors and families.

Connecticut first sued Purdue and the Sacklers in 2019, alleging deceptive marketing and efforts to shield family wealth as addiction spread. Earlier bankruptcy plans that protected the Sacklers from lawsuits were overturned, allowing states to negotiate stronger terms.

Connecticut has helped secure more than $50 billion in opioid settlements nationwide, including about $600 million dedicated to the state. The Connecticut Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee will oversee the distribution of the funds.