Purdue Pharma Mediator Extends Talks to Resolve Sackler Liability for Opioid Epidemic

Purdue Pharma Mediator Extends Talks to Resolve Sackler Liability for Opioid Epidemic
A pharmacist holds prescription painkiller OxyContin, 40mg pills, made by Purdue Pharma L.D. at a local pharmacy, in Provo, Utah, on April 25, 2017. George Frey/Reuters
Reuters
Updated:

NEW YORK—A U.S. mediator on Wednesday extended a deadline for negotiations by the owners of Purdue Pharma LP to resolve litigation alleging that they fueled the opioid epidemic, and bring the OxyContin maker a step closer to exiting bankruptcy.

Members of the wealthy Sackler family, who own Purdue Pharma, have been trying to reach an agreement with eight states and the District of Columbia, after they had blocked a previous settlement that included a $4.3 billion cash payment.