This announcement brings Kentucky's total recovery to more than $1 billion.
FRANKFORT, KY – On Monday, June 16, 2025, Attorney General Russell Coleman announced a further $73.1 million settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family for their devastating role in Kentucky's drug crisis.
This announcement brings Kentucky's total recovery to more than $1 billion from settlements with the companies behind the worst man-made crisis in the Commonwealth's history.
"For too long, Kentucky families have been suffering the deadly consequences of those behind the drug crisis. These resources won't bring back lost loved ones, but they may be able to prevent future tragedies," said Attorney General Coleman. "With more than $1 billion, Kentucky is investing in prevention, treatment and recovery programs that will save lives and turn the page on this crisis."
Kentucky previously settled with Purdue Pharma in 2015 for $24 million. That settlement ended the bulk of the Commonwealth's claims against the company and the Sackler family.
On Monday, attorneys general from 55 states and U.S. territories agreed to a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. Next, local governments across the country will be asked to join the settlement contingent on bankruptcy court proceedings.
Under the Sacklers' ownership, Purdue made and aggressively marketed opioid products for decades. The settlement ends the Sacklers' control of Purdue and their ability to sell opioids in the United States. This settlement in principle is the nation's largest settlement to date with individuals responsible for the opioid crisis.
According to the system created by Kentucky's General Assembly, 50% of the settlement funds will be distributed by the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. Last week, General Coleman announced the Commission's latest funding opportunity to support research that addresses the drug epidemic in Kentucky. Learn more about the Commission. The other half of the settlement funds are distributed to cities and counties according to a predetermined formula.
The Attorney General's Division Chief of Consumer and Senior Protection Chris Lewis led the settlement efforts for the Commonwealth.
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