Purdue Pharma director grilled on proposed opioid settlement

By GEOFF MULVIHILL
Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Purdue Pharma’s quest to settle thousands of lawsuits over OxyContin’s toll has entered its final phase with the grudging acceptance of most of those who have claims against the company. A confirmation hearing opened in U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Thursday for a deal that removes control of the company from members of the wealthy Sackler family and requires them to contribute $4.5 billion to opioid abatement. While most states have come to support the plan, a lawyer representing Connecticut grilled a company board member over whether states should be able to pursue lawsuits against the Sacklers instead.