The Sackler family, originally comprising brothers Arthur, Mortimer, and Raymond Sackler, established Purdue Pharma, a pharmaceutical company known for developing OxyContin, a prescription opioid introduced in 1996. OxyContin’s aggressive marketing and widespread prescription significantly contributed to the opioid crisis in the United States, leading to widespread addiction and numerous fatalities.
Beyond their pharmaceutical endeavors, the Sacklers were prominent philanthropists, donating to various cultural and educational institutions. However, as the link between OxyContin and the opioid epidemic became evident, many institutions reevaluated their associations with the family. In 2019, London’s National Portrait Gallery notably declined a donation from the Sackler Trust due to the family’s controversial ties to the crisis.
In recent developments, the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma reached a $7.4 billion settlement to address numerous lawsuits related to their role in the opioid epidemic. This agreement, announced in February 2025, mandates that the Sacklers relinquish control of Purdue Pharma and contribute funds toward opioid recovery programs.
Notably, the settlement provides the Sacklers with certain legal protections, shielding them from specific lawsuits, though it allows for potential legal actions from affected families. This settlement is among the largest involving individuals linked to the opioid crisis, which has resulted in over 600,000 American deaths over two decades.
The Sackler family’s legacy is now predominantly associated with their significant role in the opioid epidemic, overshadowing their prior philanthropic contributions. Their involvement has been extensively documented, including in Patrick Radden Keefe’s 2021 book, “Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty,” which delves into the family’s history and impact on public health