The next Supreme Court case could spell the end of Purdue Pharma

The court is weighing in on a potential settlement involving the long-maligned company

The entrance to the Purdue Pharma headquarters
The entrance to the Purdue Pharma headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut
(Image credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing many important cases this term, but perhaps none are as consequential — or controversial — as one involving Purdue Pharma. The long-maligned pharmaceutical brand, often accused of singlehandedly turbocharging America's opioid crisis as the maker of OxyContin, is caught in the middle of a settlement that will see the high court weigh in. 

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Monday in Harrington v. Purdue Pharma L.P. The case will scrutinize a previously agreed-to bankruptcy deal that would have Purdue's former owners, the Sackler family, pay victims of the opioid crisis $6 billion in compensation in exchange for the family's immunity from further civil lawsuits. Under the deal, Purdue Pharma would also cease to exist and be reorganized under a new company, Knoa Pharma, that would work to manufacture opioid addiction treatments.  

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

 Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.