Netflix's Painkiller explores the rise of OxyContin and the opioid crisis through fictional accounts of those most affected and those behind the scenes, such as the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma. The series specifically tells the story of Richard Sackler (Matthew Broderick), the former president and co-chairman of Purdue Pharma, who was a key figure in the drug's boom in the United States.
Painkiller shows that Sackler gave a deposition regarding OxyContin in a 2015 lawsuit against Purdue Pharma, but noted that he or any of his family members "have not been blamed for the marketing of OxyContin." or criminal charges in any overdose death involving OxyContin.” poison. "So, where is Richard Sackler today?
Patrick Radden Keefe, the author of the New Yorker article, said the Sacklers "almost never talk publicly about the family business." In his article, Keefe (who serves as an executive producer on Painkiller ) also quotes an opioid researcher who said he had "never even met Richard Sackler in real life." ". It's clear that Sackler is a very private person. However, there have been some updates regarding the company's former president and co-chairman since the Painkiller incident.
For example, you can actually read or view eight hours of Sackler's 2015 testimony. The 2019 deposition, released by STAT and ProPublica, marked a rare instance of Sackler family members actually discussing OxyContin.
Keefe reported in his article that Sackler was living in Austin, Texas as of 2017 after teaching genetics at Rockefeller University. According to the New York Post, He has since reportedly moved to Boca Raton, Florida.
As for Purdue Pharma? In May, a federal appeals court ruled that the Sacklers "will be immune from all civil opioid claims related to their company," which, as the New York Times explained, is filing for bankruptcy. But the Sacklers will have to pay up to $6 billion "primarily for measures to mitigate the opioid crisis, such as treatment and prevention programs." The outlet described immunity as the "golden key" to the Sacklers, adding that at the end of the day, they "will still be very wealthy."
In addition, Purdue Pharma will be reorganized into Knoa Pharma, and the Sackler family will not be involved.
While the latest developments may be a "win" for the Sackler family, the family has not shied away from scrutiny in other areas. Yale School of Medicine, for example, as recently as 2014 praised the Sackler family's multimillion-dollar donation and "transformative legacy," even describing Richard Sackler as a "steadfast friend." But in 2022, the Yale Daily News reported that the school was "looking to separate from the Sackler name."
If you or someone you know is seeking help with substance abuse, call the SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
