Purdue Pharma is on track to finalize its bankruptcy restructuring in March, with the Sackler family’s contribution to the settlement potentially growing beyond their previous $6.5 billion commitment. The additional payments, which could reach up to $500 million, hinge on the future sale of the family’s international business assets.
During a court hearing in White Plains, New York, Purdue’s legal team indicated that the settlement could exceed $7 billion as negotiations continue. The restructuring aims to resolve thousands of lawsuits accusing Purdue’s OxyContin painkiller of fueling the opioid epidemic.
Beyond the Sackler family’s payments, Purdue itself is set to contribute $800 million toward individual opioid claims, a notable increase from earlier estimates. The company is still finalizing key details of its bankruptcy plan, much of which remains confidential, but attorneys say progress is being made.
A crucial element of the deal involves the Sacklers potentially selling their international pharmaceutical holdings, including Mundipharma, which operated opioid sales outside the U.S. The proceeds from those divestments could push their total payout even higher.
Despite ongoing legal battles, a temporary pause on opioid-related lawsuits remains in place. However, should the bankruptcy settlement fall apart, the Sacklers have signaled they are prepared to fight any renewed litigation.
For now, creditors and victims await the final terms, as Purdue works to hammer out what could be one of the largest settlements in U.S. corporate history.
