Iowa Attorney General announces $37.8 million opioid settlement

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) - Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has announced the state will sign on to an over $7 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma.

The settlement will address years of legal action against Purdue Pharma and the Sacklers for worsening the opioid crisis in the United States.

Purdue heavily marketed and created opioids under the Sackler’s ownership leading to the biggest drug crisis nationwide.

“OxyContin is an extremely harmful and addictive drug; lives have been lost and families forever changed because of its devastating effects,” said Attorney General Bird. “Although a bittersweet victory, the nearly $38 million in settlement funds will continue Iowa’s fight against opioid addiction as we work to end the cycle of addiction and aid in recovery.”

Iowa’s Opioid Settlement Fund will receive half of the settlement and the other half will be given to local governments.

The funds will be provided throughout the next 15 years, with most of the money being distributed during the first three years.