Purdue Pharma and Karma
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Special Issue
May 3, 2026
Rob Kent, Esq., Author and Kent Strategic Advisors, LLC
Tom O'Connor, Publisher
Purdue Pharma Sentenced to Pay 5.5 Billion in Fines
On April 29, a New Jersey federal criminal case against Purdue Pharma ended when U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo sentenced the company to pay $5.5 billion in fines and penalties. Most of the money will be distributed under the company's bankruptcy plan, with approximately $225 million sent to the federal treasury. As an important aside, there is no legal requirement for that money to be spent on addiction-related programs.
The court proceeding followed a 2020 guilty plea by the company to charges of deceiving regulators and paying kickbacks to doctors to boost opioid sales. The conclusion of the court proceeding opens the door to the Purdue Pharma we know, closing, and to the $7.4 billion bankruptcy plan being implemented.
As someone who worked as a government official in New York State on drug policy during an opioid epidemic started by the origin company, Purdue Pharma, yesterday's proceedings left me both sad and angry!
To understand my sadness and anger, all you had to do was listen to the hours of testimony from folks from all over America whose lives were forever changed by the actions of Purdue Pharma. I know some of those who testified, as we have worked together to try to make things better for others. Unlike any of the Sackler family members, the owners of Purdue Pharma, many of those affected by the company's actions have made it their mission to help and serve others, doing so despite having their lives forever changed. I have heard their stories and revere them as I do not know that I could do the same if I lost someone I loved!
Deposition
My work also gave me the opportunity, as part of the NYS litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors, to spend a day being questioned by their incredibly well-paid lawyers. We spent hours acknowledging that many played a role in the opioid epidemic, including the federal and state governments, both for allowing opioids to flood the market without intervention, but also for failing to fund an addiction care system properly. Hours into my deposition testimony, I got the opportunity to say the following: "While your clients are not alone when we apportion the blame, they, and particularly Purdue Pharma, laid the land mines that we have been stepping on for more than a decade." It made me feel good for a few moments; however, none of those most responsible, especially the Sackler family, were there to hear it, and I think that many of them have psychological tendencies that would make them not care at all! They hide behind company names to justify their complete lack of conscience and empathy.
A Few Parting Thoughts
First, all of us, especially those who work in government, should remember the words of Judge Arleo when she said the government could stop Purdue from deceiving doctors and patients about the addictiveness of OxyContin, despite having the authority to do so. "Your government failed you," Arleo said to the victims. "The inadequacy of what the law can offer today must be plainly stated." These words are especially meaningful as the government is now failing those who have lost loved ones, as they misuse or do not promptly distribute the settlement funds received from the other opioid manufacturers and distributors. They had better learn quickly, as they will now receive billions from the Purdue bankruptcy to spend on improving things!
Second, the federal government needs to spend the funds paid into the federal treasury on addiction-related programs, and they should prioritize programs that assist those who have lost loved ones!
Finally, the federal government needs to prosecute the Sackler family for their actions. Remember, this criminal case was against the company and not the family. Federal prosecutors should listen to those who testified who called for members of the Sackler family to face jail time. Failing to prosecute those most responsible tells all of us that humans can hide behind companies, take actions that harm others, and get away with it.
Karma is not enough!
Rob Kent, Esq.
President
Kent Strategic Advisors, LLC
(518) 669-8596
(571) 546-1680