Attorney General Alan Wilson announced on May 1 that a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family has become legally effective, concluding nearly ten years of legal action by attorneys general nationwide over the companies’ roles in the opioid crisis.
The resolution is significant because it brings new funds to communities and individuals affected by opioids, including nearly $73 million for South Carolina over the next 15 years. The settlement also includes provisions to prevent future opioid sales by the Sacklers in the United States and aims to support addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery efforts across the country.
“We were one of the first states that sued Purdue back in 2017 to hold this company accountable for the opioid epidemic that has killed thousands of South Carolinians,” Attorney General Wilson said. “The bankruptcy and appeals process has delayed resolution for years, but with this step, we’re finally nearing the finish line. South Carolina will receive approximately $72.8 million over the next 15 years to assist with recovery and prevention for the families and communities that were plagued by these highly addictive drugs.”
According to the official website, Wilson serves as head of an office responsible for supporting victims of crime through advocacy and resources, as well as operating as South Carolina’s primary legal advocate handling prosecutions and regulations statewide. The Attorney General’s office also enforces laws related to securities and consumer protection, demonstrating influence in regulatory matters across all regions of South Carolina, according to the official website. Additionally, collaboration with state law enforcement agencies on criminal prosecutions is a key function according to their site.
Most funds from this latest agreement will be distributed within three years: more than $1.5 billion from the Sacklers immediately; further payments are scheduled through May 2029; Purdue is paying about $900 million now as well. The deal follows other settlements secured by Wilson against major distributors such as Cardinal Health, McKesson (now Cencora), AmerisourceBergen, pharmaceutical manufacturers including Janssen and Teva, pharmacy chains like Walmart and CVS, among others—bringing total opioid-related recoveries for South Carolina above three-quarters of a billion dollars.
As part of this settlement’s implementation today, Purdue’s manufacturing operations will transfer to Knoa Pharma LLC under independent oversight prohibiting marketing activities related to opioids while ensuring safe distribution practices are monitored independently. More than 30 million documents about Purdue’s opioid business will also be made public.
Wilson was joined in reaching this agreement by attorneys general from all eligible U.S. states and territories.
