Arizona Uncertain About Purdue's Opioid Settlement

Arizona Uncertain About Purdue's Opioid Settlement

Introduction

Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican of Arizona, is hesitant about agreeing to Purdue Pharma's opioid settlement deal.

According to recent court filings, Brnovich claims that the company “sought to undermine material terms of the deal.” The state had agreed upon the settlement right before Purdue filed for bankruptcy protection. Brnovich refused to negotiate terms with the company but did not back out of the settlement and wants Purdue to follow through.

The states agreeing to the deal were not supposed to object to the company's request to stop the litigation against it and members of the Sackler family. Purdue has said in court that, if the family continues to face litigation across the country, they may not be able or willing to contribute the $3 billion to $4.5 billion that they have agreed upon.

The deal, which could be worth $12 billion over time, if approved, could end more than 2,600 lawsuits against the company.

Opioid lawsuits are consolidated under MDL No. 2804 (In Re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation) presided by U.S. District Judge Dan Polster.