STAT+: OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma set to dissolve after judge approves its criminal sentence

STAT PlusHealth OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma set to dissolve after judge approves its criminal sentence ‘It is not lost on me that those who started the epidemic will not serve a sentence,’ the judge said Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Associated PressApril 30, 2026 NEWARK, N.J. — OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma is set to be dissolved and replaced by a company focused on the public good by the week’s end, as a massive legal settlement resolving thousands of lawsuits takes effect. A federal judge on Tuesday delivered a criminal sentence to the company to resolve a Department of Justice probe — a last necessary step to clear the way for the settlement.Advertisement U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo made her decision after listening to hours of impact statements from people who lost loved ones or struggled with addiction themselves and requested she reject the negotiated sentence. While she didn’t go that far, she said she sympathized with people who bore the brunt of an epidemic linked to more than 900,000 deaths in the U.S. since 1999. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In addiction, opioids, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Associated Press Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Matt's Take April 30, 2026 Remembering J. Craig Venter: a relentless scientist who changed biotech — and was all too easily misunderstood Politics April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Katherine Szarama named acting director of FDA’s vaccines and biologics center Advertisement Health April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: In her own words: Surgeon general nominee Nicole Saphier expresses enthusiasm and caution for MAHA The Readout LOUD April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Hair-raising trial results, and Servier’s M&A wishlist Health tech April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: As artificial intelligence shows off diagnostic chops, scientists reckon with the way forward Subscriber Picks