Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Supreme Court blocks Purdue Pharma bankruptcy plan, delaying billions in opioid crisis funding

Image
A pharmacist holds prescription painkiller OxyContin, 40mg pills, made by Purdue Pharma L.D. at a local pharmacy, in Provo, Utah, U.S., April 25, 2017.

Overview

  • The Supreme Court blocked Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy plan, which shielded its owners from lawsuits over the opioid epidemic.
  • The blocked plan would have provided over $6 billion in funding to address the opioid crisis.
  • The Justice Department argued the plan allowed the owners to improperly use bankruptcy to avoid liability.
  • The Supreme Court agreed to review the case, delaying the bankruptcy plan and funding.
  • There are concerns this could set a precedent for corporations to shield wealthy owners through bankruptcy.