Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today that the state is set to receive $16.57 million from a $7.4 billion national settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, the owners of Purdue, over their role in fueling the opioid crisis. The settlement resolves allegations that Purdue aggressively marketed opioid products for decades, contributing to addiction and overdose deaths nationwide, including in Montana.
“The opioid crisis has taken thousands of lives and destroyed families and communities across the country,” said Attorney General Knudsen. “The money we get from this settlement will help stop further damage and save lives. I will continue to hold those responsible accountable.”
The $16.57 million allocated to Montana will be directed toward opioid abatement programs, which may include:
- Opioid use disorder treatment
- Narcan distribution to first responders and emergency personnel
- Drug treatment courts for individuals with opioid-related substance abuse issues
The settlement also brings greater accountability by ending the Sackler family’s control of Purdue and preventing them from selling opioids in the U.S.
This settlement marks the second attempt to resolve the legal claims against Purdue and the Sacklers. A first settlement deal was rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023, leading to renewed negotiations. As part of the new agreement, the Sackler family will make personal payments for the damage they caused. Montana will receive nearly $4 million more than in the previous proposal.
The opioid epidemic has claimed hundreds of lives in Montana due to prescription drug overdoses over the past 20 years. The fallout from opioid addiction has also strained the state’s healthcare, child welfare, and criminal justice systems. The crisis has torn apart families, destroyed relationships, and devastated communities across the state.
Attorney General Knudsen has been a leading figure in combating the opioid crisis in Montana. In addition to this settlement, he has:
- Announced a $4 million settlement with Kroger in November
- Launched a program to distribute opioid reversal kits in middle and high schools across Montana
- Secured a $1 million settlement with Publicis Health
- In 2022, reached an $80 million settlement with major pharmaceutical distributors
- In 2021, Montana received $1.9 million from a settlement with McKinsey & Company
The settlement with Purdue Pharma is a critical step in Montana’s efforts to mitigate the lasting damage caused by the opioid epidemic, providing resources to help combat opioid addiction and support those affected by the crisis.
By: DNU staff