Purdue Pharma judge urges opponents of opioid plan to settle with Sacklers

Aug. 27 (Reuters) – The judge overseeing the bankruptcy of Purdue Pharma on Friday urged opponents of the OxyContin maker’s reorganization plan, which would resolve a widespread opioid dispute, to be settled quickly with the owners of the Sackler family of the business, as it would save time and money on subsequent calls.

U.S. bankruptcy judge Robert Drain in White Plains, New York, made his remark at a hearing Friday morning, five days before he ruled on the plan.

The deal, if approved, would pave the way for the resolution of thousands of opioid-related lawsuits and protect the owners of the Sackler family from future litigation. Opponents of the deal said the press releases were too broad.

“I think after hearing from lawyers on both sides – they are very talented lawyers, they know the risks they face – I hope their clients would be realistic about those risks as well,” Drain said.

Purdue said the deal, which directs funding toward opioid reduction programs, is worth more than $ 10 billion. The Sacklers have agreed to contribute about $ 4.5 billion.

Reporting by Maria Chutchian Editing by Marguerita Choy

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