History of Purdue Pharma in Timeline
Purdue Pharma L.P., once known as the Purdue Frederick Company, was established in 1892 by John Purdue Gray. The Sackler family, namely Arthur, Mortimer, and Raymond, acquired the pharmaceutical company in 1952. The company remained under the ownership and control of the Sackler family and their descendants until its closure in 2019.
1952: Sackler Brothers Relocate Purdue Frederick Company to Yonkers
After acquiring the Purdue Frederick Company, the Sackler brothers made a significant change by relocating the business to Yonkers, New York, in 1952. This marked the beginning of their transformation of the company.
1952: Sackler Brothers Purchase Purdue Frederick Company
The three Sackler brothers, Arthur, Mortimer, and Raymond, bought the Purdue Frederick Company in 1952, marking a pivotal moment in the company's history and the beginning of their association with the pharmaceutical industry.
1971: Richard Sackler Begins Career at Purdue Pharma
Richard Sackler, son of Raymond Sackler, joined Purdue Pharma in 1971, marking the entry of another generation of the family into the business. His career trajectory within the company would eventually see him take on leadership roles.
1972: Contin Development
In 1972, Purdue Pharma developed Contin, a controlled drug-release system.
1984: Purdue Pharma Releases MS Contin
Purdue Pharma achieved a significant milestone in 1984 with the release of MS Contin, an extended-release formulation of morphine. This innovative product demonstrated the company's focus on developing advanced pain management solutions.
1987: Arthur Sackler Passes Away, Ownership Transfers to Brothers
Arthur Sackler's death in 1987 led to his share of Purdue Frederick Company being transferred to his brothers, Raymond and Mortimer. This consolidated their control over the company and shaped its future trajectory.
1991: Purdue Pharma L.P. is Incorporated, Focuses on Pain Management
The formal incorporation of Purdue Pharma L.P. in 1991 marked a strategic shift towards specializing in pain management medications. The company positioned itself as a pioneer in this field, aiming to alleviate human suffering.
February 2, 1995: FDA Approval of OxyContin
On February 2, 1995, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved OxyContin for sale, despite the lack of long-term studies and assessments of its addictive potential.
1995: OxyContin Generates $2.8 Billion in Revenue
Between 1995 and 2001, OxyContin's remarkable success in the market generated a staggering $2.8 billion in revenue for Purdue Pharma. This financial triumph, however, was later overshadowed by the devastating consequences of the opioid epidemic.
1996: FDA Approves OxyContin, a 12-hour Dosage Opioid
The FDA's approval of OxyContin in 1996, a 12-hour dosage opioid, marked a turning point for Purdue Pharma. While intended as a breakthrough in pain management, it later became central to the opioid crisis due to its addictive properties and aggressive marketing.
1997: Internal Memos Indicate Purdue's Awareness of Abuse
Internal company memos from 1997 to 1999, containing terms like "street value", "crush", and "snort," indicated Purdue Pharma's awareness of OxyContin's abuse potential.
1997: Rise in OxyContin Prescriptions
Purdue Pharma's marketing of OxyContin for non-cancer-related pain led to a significant increase in prescriptions, from about 670,000 in 1997 to 6.2 million in 2002.
1999: Purdue's Knowledge of Abuse Confirmed
By 1999, Purdue Pharma had substantial evidence, including internal memos, confirming their knowledge of OxyContin's abuse potential, further highlighting their negligence.
1999: Craig Landau Joins Purdue Pharma
Craig Landau joined Purdue Pharma in 1999, beginning his tenure with the company in roles related to medical affairs and research and development. This marked the beginning of his career path within the company.
1999: Targeting the "Non-Malignant Pain Market"
In 1999, Purdue Pharma strategically targeted the larger "non-malignant pain market," promoting OxyContin for chronic pain beyond cancer treatment. This contributed to a surge in prescriptions.
1999: Richard Sackler Becomes President of Purdue Pharma
Richard Sackler's ascent to the role of president of Purdue Pharma in 1999 placed him in a position of significant authority. His leadership coincided with the aggressive marketing of OxyContin, a period that would later draw intense scrutiny and criticism.
1999: Start of the Opioid Crisis
The beginning of the opioid crisis is marked in 1999, the year Purdue Pharma began aggressively marketing OxyContin, leading to a surge in opioid prescriptions and, tragically, overdose deaths.
2000: Purdue's Alleged Deception of Congress
The 2019 request by Senators Whitehouse and Hassan suggested that Purdue executives may have lied to Congress when they claimed to be unaware of OxyContin's extensive abuse and diversion before 2000.
2000: Reports of OxyContin Abuse Emerge
By the start of 2000, reports of OxyContin abuse began to surface. The RADARS program, sponsored by Purdue Pharma, identified Oxycontin and hydrocodone as the most commonly abused pain medications.
2001: OxyContin Generates $2.8 Billion in Revenue
Between 1995 and 2001, OxyContin's remarkable success in the market generated a staggering $2.8 billion in revenue for Purdue Pharma. This financial triumph, however, was later overshadowed by the devastating consequences of the opioid epidemic.
2001: Connecticut Attorney General Urges Action
In 2001, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal urged Purdue Pharma to take concrete steps to address the growing abuse of OxyContin, criticizing their initial response as inadequate.
2002: Peak of OxyContin Prescriptions
By 2002, prescriptions for OxyContin reached approximately 6.2 million, marking a substantial increase driven by Purdue's aggressive marketing tactics.
2003: DEA Findings on OxyContin Abuse
In 2003, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) attributed the widespread abuse of OxyContin to Purdue Pharma's aggressive marketing strategies.
2003: Richard Sackler Assumes Role of Co-Chairman of Purdue Pharma Board
Richard Sackler further solidified his control over Purdue Pharma in 2003 when he became co-chairman of the board. This powerful position gave him considerable influence over the company's direction during a crucial period marked by the growing opioid crisis.
2004: West Virginia Attorney General sued Purdue
In 2004, the West Virginia Attorney General sued Purdue Pharma for reimbursement of excessive prescription costs. The state accused Purdue of deceptive marketing practices related to OxyContin, claiming patients took more than prescribed due to the drug's effects wearing off early. Purdue settled the case for $10 million, with evidence kept confidential.
October 2006: Justice Department Memo Highlights Potential Criminal Conduct
An internal Justice Department memo from October 2006 revealed evidence suggesting potential criminal conduct by Purdue Pharma executives, including wire fraud and money laundering.
2006: Justice Department Review
In 2006, a Justice Department review uncovered that Dr. Curtis Wright IV, the FDA medical review officer who approved OxyContin, had met with Purdue Pharma representatives and allowed them to influence the drug's approval process.
May 2007: Purdue Pharma's guilty plea and settlement
In May 2007, Purdue Pharma pleaded guilty to misleading the public about the addiction risks of OxyContin. The company agreed to pay $600 million in one of the largest pharmaceutical settlements in U.S. history. Top executives were also fined and sentenced to community service.
October 4, 2007: Kentucky sued Purdue
On October 4, 2007, Kentucky officials sued Purdue Pharma over widespread OxyContin abuse in Appalachia. The state demanded millions in compensation for the impact of the drug.
2007: Purdue Pharma's Felony Conviction
In 2007, Purdue Pharma was convicted of felony charges for criminal misbranding, particularly for misleading claims about OxyContin's abuse liability on its packaging insert.
2007: Rhodes Pharmaceuticals, a Sister Company to Purdue, is Founded
The establishment of Rhodes Pharmaceuticals in Rhode Island in 2007, a sister company to Purdue, expanded the Sackler family's reach in the pharmaceutical industry. Rhodes Pharmaceuticals became a major producer of generic opioids, further solidifying the family's influence in this sector.
2007: Purdue's Settlement Falls Short
In 2007, Purdue Pharma reached a $654 million settlement with the government over deceptive marketing claims, but this amount was significantly less than what prosecutors had initially sought.
2007: Purdue Pharma Receives Record Fine for Misleading Marketing
In 2007, Purdue Pharma faced a significant legal blow when it was ordered to pay one of the largest fines ever imposed on a pharmaceutical company for misleading the public about the addictive nature of OxyContin.
2008: OxyContin Savings Card program started
In 2008, Purdue Pharma initiated the OxyContin 'Savings Card' program, offering patients discounts on their first five prescriptions. Data showed these discounts led to 60% more patients staying on OxyContin for over 90 days.
2010: Mortimer Sackler Passes Away
The death of Mortimer Sackler in 2010 marked another significant loss for the Sackler family and impacted the ownership structure of Purdue Pharma. His passing further concentrated ownership among the remaining heirs.
2012: Study Links OxyContin to Heroin Epidemic
A 2012 study in The New England Journal of Medicine established a direct link between Purdue Pharma's marketing of OxyContin and the subsequent heroin epidemic in the U.S., highlighting the devastating consequences.
2013: Craig Landau Appointed President and CEO of Purdue Pharma Canada
Craig Landau's appointment as president and CEO of Purdue Pharma (Canada) in 2013 marked a significant step in his career within the company, showcasing his leadership qualities and experience within the pharmaceutical industry.
September 2015: Purdue Pharma Acquires VM Pharma for $213 Million
In September 2015, Purdue Pharma made a strategic acquisition by purchasing VM Pharma for a potential sum exceeding $213 million. This move provided them with access to promising drug candidates and expanded their research and development capabilities.
December 23, 2015: Kentucky settled with Purdue
On December 23, 2015, Kentucky settled its lawsuit with Purdue Pharma for $24 million, ending the legal battle that began in 2007.
2016: Sackler Family Listed Among Wealthiest in US
The Sackler family's immense wealth, largely derived from Purdue Pharma's profits, earned them a prominent position on Forbes magazine's list of the 20 wealthiest families in the US in 2016. Their philanthropy and association with prestigious institutions were juxtaposed with their controversial role in the opioid crisis.
2016: Los Angeles Times Investigation
In 2016, a Los Angeles Times investigation revealed that OxyContin's advertised 12-hour pain relief was often ineffective, leading to withdrawal symptoms and potential addiction.
2016: Purdue Pharma's Revenue Reaches $31 Billion
By 2016, Purdue Pharma had amassed a cumulative revenue of $31 billion, solidifying its financial standing. However, this wealth was increasingly scrutinized in the context of the burgeoning opioid crisis and the company's role in it.
January 2017: Everett, Washington sued Purdue
In January 2017, the city of Everett, Washington sued Purdue Pharma. The city claimed increased costs due to OxyContin abuse and accused Purdue of not monitoring suspicious sales patterns.
June 22, 2017: Craig Landau Takes Helm as CEO of Purdue Pharma
Craig Landau's appointment as CEO of Purdue Pharma on June 22, 2017, came at a tumultuous time for the company as it faced mounting legal and public relations challenges related to the opioid epidemic.
2017: Purdue Pharma's Revenue Climbs to $35 Billion
Purdue Pharma's revenue continued to climb, reaching $35 billion by 2017. This financial success, however, stood in stark contrast to the growing human cost of the opioid epidemic, intensifying public scrutiny and legal pressure on the company.
2017: Raymond Sackler Passes Away
The death of Raymond Sackler in 2017 left his branch of the family to manage their inherited stake in Purdue Pharma. By this time, the company was already facing intense scrutiny and legal challenges related to the opioid crisis.
May 2018: Confidential Justice Department Report Revealed
In May 2018, a confidential Justice Department report revealed that Purdue Pharma was aware of reports detailing the abuse and diversion of OxyContin, including crushing and snorting the pills.
May 2018: Six states sued Purdue
In May 2018, six states filed lawsuits against Purdue Pharma for deceptive marketing practices related to OxyContin, adding to 16 previously filed lawsuits.
July 2018: Steve Miller Becomes Chairman of Purdue Pharma
Steve Miller's appointment as chairman of Purdue Pharma in July 2018 signaled a change in leadership as the company navigated the ongoing opioid litigation and public scrutiny.
January 2019: 36 states sued Purdue
By January 2019, a total of 36 states had filed lawsuits against Purdue Pharma, accusing the company of deceptive marketing practices.
March 2019: Purdue reached settlement with Oklahoma
In March 2019, Purdue Pharma reached a $270 million settlement with Oklahoma, which claimed its opioids contributed to thousands of deaths.
August 2019: Purdue and Sackler family negotiating settlement
In August 2019, Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family negotiated a settlement ranging from $10-$12 billion, including a Chapter 11 filing and restructuring as a public beneficiary trust. The Sacklers would contribute $3 billion in cash and proceeds from selling Mundipharma.
September 15, 2019: Purdue Pharma Files for Bankruptcy
Facing a mountain of lawsuits and public pressure, Purdue Pharma filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New York City on September 15, 2019, a move that signaled the gravity of the legal and financial challenges facing the company.
September 2019: States pursued further litigation
In September 2019, many states refused Purdue Pharma's settlement terms, seeking to hold individual Sackler family members liable for the opioid epidemic costs. The New York Attorney General accused the Sacklers of hiding money offshore.
December 2019: Audit revealed Sacklers withdrew $10.7 billion
In December 2019, an audit revealed the Sackler family withdrew $10.7 billion from Purdue Pharma after the company began facing legal scrutiny.
2019: Sackler Family Departs Purdue Pharma Board
By early 2019, under mounting pressure and facing increasing public outrage over their role in the opioid crisis, the Sackler family made a significant move by departing from Purdue Pharma's board of directors.
2019: Senators Demand Justice Department Memo
In 2019, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Maggie Hassan demanded the release of the 2006 Justice Department memo, citing concerns that Purdue executives might have misled Congress about their knowledge of OxyContin's abuse.
2019: Massachusetts sued Purdue and Sackler family
In 2019, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey filed a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma and eight Sackler family members, accusing them of deceptive sales practices and micromanaging a deceptive sales campaign.
2019: Purdue Pharma Continues Opioid Sales Despite Lawsuits
Despite facing mounting lawsuits related to the opioid epidemic, Purdue Pharma continued marketing and selling opioids as late as 2019, a decision that further fueled public outrage and legal scrutiny.
2019: Lawsuits and Bankruptcy
By 2019, Purdue Pharma faced over 1,000 lawsuits from state and local governments, leading to bankruptcy proceedings. States filed claims exceeding $2 trillion in damages related to the opioid crisis.
2019: Purdue Frederick Company Officially Becomes Purdue Pharma L.P.
After undergoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Purdue Frederick Company, formerly owned by the Sackler family, was officially renamed Purdue Pharma L.P. in 2019.
October 2020: Purdue agreed to $8 billion settlement
In October 2020, Purdue Pharma agreed to an $8 billion settlement, including $2 billion in criminal forfeiture, $3.54 billion in criminal fines, and $2.8 billion in civil damages. The company would plead guilty to three criminal charges and become a public benefit company.
October 21, 2020: Purdue Pharma Reaches $8.3 Billion Settlement
In a significant development in the ongoing legal battles, Purdue Pharma reached an $8.3 billion settlement on October 21, 2020. This included an admission of guilt for conspiring to encourage doctors to overprescribe opioids.
2020: 841,000 Drug Overdose Deaths in the US
By 2020, the devastating consequences of the opioid crisis were undeniable, with a staggering 841,000 lives lost to drug overdoses in the US, a grim testament to the impact of opioid addiction.
March 2021: US House Introduces Bill to Remove Sackler Family Immunity
In March 2021, the US House of Representatives introduced a bill aimed at preventing the Sackler family from receiving legal immunity during Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy proceedings. This reflected widespread public anger at the family's role in the opioid crisis.
August 2021: SACKLER Act introduced
In August 2021, U.S. Representatives Carolyn Maloney and Mark DeSaulnier introduced the SACKLER Act, aiming to prevent non-bankrupt individuals from being released from lawsuits. The Act has not passed into law as of August 2023.
September 2021: Purdue Pharma Announces Rebranding as Knoa Pharma
In September 2021, Purdue Pharma announced its intention to rebrand itself as Knoa Pharma. This move was widely seen as an attempt to distance the company from its tarnished reputation and the ongoing opioid litigation.
September 2021: Purdue Pharma Proposed Restructuring and Settlement
In September 2021, Purdue Pharma's plan to restructure into a public benefit corporation was approved. The plan aimed to address the opioid crisis and compensate victims. It involved a settlement with the Sackler family, using insurance payments, business operations, and family contributions to fund the restructuring.
October 2021: Sackler Family Immunity Bill Referred to Subcommittee
The House Judicial Committee referred the bill seeking to prevent the Sackler family from receiving legal immunity to the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law in October 2021, marking a step forward in the legislative process.
December 2021: Purdue Pharma Settlement Overturned
In December 2021, a U.S. District Court judge overturned the proposed Purdue Pharma settlement. The judge ruled that the bankruptcy code did not allow for the Sackler family to be released from civil liability.
2021: Sacklers sought immunity from lawsuits
In 2021, the Sacklers sought a ruling to grant them immunity from lawsuits linked to the opioid crisis without filing for personal bankruptcy. State attorneys general opposed the deal, arguing it would hinder efforts to hold the family accountable.
2021: Release of "Dopesick" Miniseries
The Hulu miniseries "Dopesick," which premiered in 2021, brought the opioid crisis and Purdue Pharma's role in it into the spotlight, further fueling public discourse and scrutiny surrounding the company and the Sackler family.
March 2022: New Purdue Pharma Settlement Approved
In March 2022, a new settlement agreement for Purdue Pharma was approved by a U.S. bankruptcy judge. This agreement required the Sackler family to pay between $5.5 and $6 billion, shielding them from personal civil liability but not from potential criminal liability.
January 2023: Bill to Remove Sackler Family Immunity Expires
The bill introduced in the House to prevent the Sackler family from being granted legal immunity expired in January 2023 at the end of the 177th Congress. This marked a setback for those seeking to hold the family accountable for their role in the opioid crisis.
May 2023: Institutions dropped Sackler name
As of May 2023, at least 20 institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Yale University, have dropped the Sackler name in response to Purdue Pharma's role in the opioid crisis.
May 2023: $6 Billion Purdue Pharma Settlement Endorsed
In May 2023, the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals endorsed the $6 billion Purdue Pharma settlement. The Sackler family would relinquish ownership of Purdue, and all profits would be allocated to a fund dedicated to preventing and treating opioid addiction. The ruling shielded the Sacklers from opioid-related lawsuits, despite their lack of personal bankruptcy filings.
August 10, 2023: Supreme Court Pauses Purdue Pharma Settlement
On August 10, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court chose to pause the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy settlement. This decision followed an appeal from the U.S. Department of Justice, which questioned the legality of shielding the Sackler family from civil lawsuits related to the opioid crisis.
August 2023: SACKLER Act status update
As of August 2023, the SACKLER Act, introduced to prevent non-bankrupt individuals from being released from lawsuits, has not passed into law.
December 2023: Supreme Court to Hear Purdue Pharma Settlement Appeal
The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in December 2023 for the case Harrington v. Purdue Pharma L.P. This case centers on the legality of the settlement that aims to protect the Sackler family from civil lawsuits stemming from their involvement in the opioid epidemic.
2023: Release of "Painkiller" Series
The Netflix series "Painkiller," released in 2023, provided another dramatic portrayal of the opioid epidemic and the controversy surrounding Purdue Pharma, keeping the issue in the public consciousness and prompting further discussion about accountability and the pharmaceutical industry.
2023: Adjusted settlement value from 2007 case
In 2023, it was noted that the $600 million settlement Purdue agreed to pay in 2007 would be equivalent to approximately $882 million today.
2023: Adjusted settlement value from 2004 case
In 2023, it was noted that the $10 million settlement Purdue agreed to pay West Virginia in 2004 would be equivalent to approximately $16 million today.
2023: Purdue Pharma Remains in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
As of August 2023, Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy proceedings are ongoing, pending a Department of Justice appeal to the US Supreme Court. This follows a ruling from the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals that allows the bankruptcy proceedings to continue.