The Supreme Court’s recent decision threw a wrench into efforts to combat the ongoing opioid crisis by striking down a bankruptcy plan from Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin. The ruling leaves billions of dollars in promised funds for addiction treatment and other relief programs in limbo.

Unravelling a Controversial Settlement

The $8 billion settlement involved the Sackler family, who own Purdue Pharma, and a multitude of parties suing over the devastating effects of OxyContin. Central to the court’s objection was the provision shielding the Sacklers from future lawsuits. Justice Gorsuch, writing for the majority, argued that the bankruptcy code doesn’t allow such protection for non-bankrupt parties like the Sacklers, especially when they allegedly moved billions into personal accounts before the company filed.

Mixed Reactions: Relief and Frustration

While some families who lost loved ones to opioid overdoses see this as a victory for accountability, the delay in accessing critical funds is undeniably frustrating. Many considered the settlement the best option to get resources to struggling communities.

Advocates are urging all parties to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible. Ideas include the Sacklers using personal funds for compensation or a revised settlement that addresses the court’s concerns.

Opioid Crisis Funding: A Patchwork Landscape

While the Purdue Pharma settlement awaits its fate, many states are already receiving funds from settlements with other drug manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies. Estimates suggest a total payout of $50 billion. However, a lack of national oversight means these funds are being used in various ways, with some prioritising treatment and naloxone distribution, while others have opted for law enforcement equipment, sparking debate about effectiveness.

The Supreme Court’s decision creates uncertainty for those battling addiction, but it also reignites the fight for accountability from the Sacklers. Negotiations and continued settlements from other parties offer a glimmer of hope, but a clear national strategy for allocating and tracking these resources remains elusive.

Source

NPR