Utah Moves Forward With Lawsuit Against OxyContin's Former Owner

Utah plans to press forward with its legal action against Richard Sackler, the former owner of Purdue Pharma, despite a recent pause in proceedings. On Monday, the Utah Division of Consumer Protection confirmed its decision to resume litigation after a voluntary 60-day stay, which is set to expire on September 27. Following this period, the division intends to file a motion to end the pause and continue with the case. Efforts to reach Sackler's attorneys for comment through email were unsuccessful.

The Utah Division of Consumer Protection is being represented in the case by the Utah Attorney General’s Office. The legal proceedings were temporarily halted following Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy filing. However, the Supreme Court overturned the bankruptcy plan in a narrow 5-4 decision, citing that it improperly protected Sackler family members from accountability. Justice Neil Gorsuch highlighted that such immunity was not permissible under federal bankruptcy laws.

The Utah Division of Consumer Protection's case claims that Purdue Pharma and Richard Sackler engaged in deceptive marketing practices, promoting OxyContin in Utah as less addictive and abusive than other painkillers, which contributed to the state’s public health crisis. Additionally, the company and Sackler are accused of giving $200,000 in gifts and payments to Utah-based prescribers between 2013 and 2017. 

They are also alleged to have employed 186 sales representatives in Utah and made direct marketing visits to 5,000 prescribers at their medical offices, according to the release. Margaret Busse, the executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce, emphasized the department's commitment to safeguarding Utah residents and holding both Purdue Pharma and Richard Sackler accountable.

Busse said in a statement, “Purdue Pharma and Richard Sackler’s deceptive practices have had a devastating and direct effect on our communities and have cost thousands of Utahns’ lives.”

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes stated in a statement, “Richard Sackler can no longer hide behind the company name or its bankruptcy filings as he continues to live lavishly from profits of deceptive claims and practices. We will use all of the tools at our disposal to ensure justice for Utah families and communities, and to obtain funds and injunctive relief to address the ongoing opioid epidemic in Utah.”