Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced on May 1 that a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family is now legally in effect, securing nearly $150 million for North Carolina to support addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery efforts.
The announcement follows years of litigation over the role of Purdue Pharma and the Sacklers in manufacturing and marketing opioids, which has contributed to a major drug crisis across the United States. The funds are expected to help address opioid addiction throughout North Carolina communities.
“Purdue and the Sacklers built a business on getting people addicted to opioids. They knew what they were doing, and they did it anyway,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “This settlement bans them from ever selling opioids in this country again, and it puts $150 million into North Carolina for treatment and recovery. It’s the end of a long fight, and it’s the right outcome.”
The North Carolina Department of Justice helped lead negotiations under both Attorney General Jackson and former Attorney General Josh Stein. The department aims to prevent crime, assist law enforcement, protect consumers, and defend state residents’ rights according to its official website. Jackson heads this office as attorney general according to its official website, providing services including legal representation, criminal prosecution support, and consumer protection according to its official website. The office extends its services statewide according to its official website.
Fifty-five attorneys general representing all eligible U.S. states and territories signed onto the agreement resolving litigation against Purdue Pharma for producing and aggressively marketing opioids nationwide. Most funds will be distributed within three years; initial payments exceed $1.5 billion from the Sacklers today with further installments through 2029.
The North Carolina State Executive Attorney General acts as a government entity authorized to handle legal matters on behalf of North Carolina according to its official website—including representing state agencies in court proceedings that influence governance according to its official website.
The settlement also requires Purdue’s operations transfer immediately to Knoa Pharma LLC under independent oversight while permanently barring any future opioid sales by members of the Sackler family in the United States.
