September 16, 2024
Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protection will resume its Administrative action against Richard Sackler
SALT LAKE CITY— Today, the Utah Division of Consumer Protection (Division), represented by the Utah Attorney General’s Office, announced its intent to resume its 2019 legal action against Richard Sackler, a former owner of Purdue Pharma. The action was voluntarily stayed after the pharmaceutical company filed for bankruptcy. Richard Sackler is not bankrupt and continues to enjoy his ill-gotten profits. In June, the Supreme Court rejected the part of Purdue Pharma’s multi-billion-dollar bankruptcy plan that would have protected the company’s owners, the Sackler family, from lawsuits.
“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,” said Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, “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.”
The Division’s legal action alleges that Purdue Pharma and Richard Sackler deceptively marketed OxyContin in Utah as less prone to abuse and addiction than other painkillers, contributing to the public health crisis. The company and Richard Sackler are also accused of providing $200,000 in gifts and payments to Utah prescribers between 2013 and 2017, employing 186 sales representatives in Utah, and making direct marketing visits to 5,000 prescribers in their medical offices.
“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,” said Margaret Busse, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce. “We are committed to protecting Utahns and holding Purdue Pharma and Richard Sackler accountable.”
Utah’s case would proceed only against Richard Sackler, as Purdue Pharma has filed for bankruptcy and has entered into a settlement with Utah and other states. Utah’s legal action could result in significant fines, a declaratory judgment, and injunctive relief against Richard Sackler. For more information about the case, visit dcp.utah.gov, select Legal Actions Search, and search “Purdue Pharma,” or call 801-530-6601.
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The Utah Division of Consumer Protection is one of ten Utah Department of Commerce agencies. Its mission is to strengthen trust in Utah’s commercial activities by protecting consumers through education and impartial enforcement. The Division administers more than 25 Utah state laws designed to protect consumers, including those related to telephone solicitations. Additional information about the Division and complaints can be filed at https://dcp.utah.gov/.