Attorney General Maura Healey is adding her voice to a growing chorus of critics blaming the founding family behind Purdue Pharma for their role in the opioid crisis.
In a 200-page complaint, Healey alleges eight members of the Sackler family are “personally responsible” for a huge portion of overdose deaths.
“There was a systematic campaign by Purdue to sell as many opioids as possible to as many people as possible for as long as possible,” Healey said during her monthly segment on Boston Public Radio. “And what's worse, they did that knowing that there were problems out there in the field.”
In a statement, Purdue Pharma denied Healey’s allegations and said the complaint “distorts critical facts.”
“We've dug in. We've done the investigation. We put together a 200-page complaint that really lays it out,” Healey said. “There's some more we want out there but Purdue is fighting us right now. The Sackler family doesn't want that information to come to light.”
Almost 400,000 people died from opioid overdoses between 1999 and 2017, according to the CDC. Healey says she is seeking accountability from Purdue on behalf of the state.
“You can't put a price on a life and no dollar figure is ever going to be enough to compensate for the wrongdoing for the harm that really was all about greed and putting profits ahead of people,” Healey said.
Healey is also leading a multi-state investigation into five other opioid manufacturers and distributors nationwide.
“I understand the need for accountability here,” she said. “And what I can promise — I can't promise a result— but what I can promise will be effort and commitment directed at making sure that the facts are out there, the truth is out there, the story comes to light. And then that leaves the opportunity for justice and accountability.”
