Schuyler County is joining two major nationwide opioid settlements totaling more than $7 billion, bringing new funding and accountability measures to a crisis that has deeply impacted local communities.
In a special session on September 22, the Schuyler County Legislature authorized County Attorney Steven Getman to finalize legal agreements with pharmaceutical companies involved in the opioid epidemic.
One settlement includes $720 million from eight drug companies, including Mylan, Sun Pharma, and Indivior. New York State and its counties could receive up to $38.7 million, with payments beginning as early as 2026. The deal also prohibits certain marketing practices and offers medications or funds valued at $86 million for opioid addiction treatment.
The second—and much larger—settlement is a $7.4 billion agreement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. It ends Sackler control of the company and bans future opioid sales by Purdue in the U.S. The Sacklers will contribute $6.5 billion over 15 years, with $1.5 billion paid in the first year.
“These settlements mark a significant step toward continued accountability for the opioid crisis that has devastated our communities,” said Getman.
The funds from both settlements will support treatment, prevention, and recovery programs in Schuyler County and across the country. A board of trustees will decide Purdue’s future operations, with oversight to prevent further opioid marketing or lobbying.
“This is a victory for Schuyler County and every community impacted by the opioid epidemic,” said County Administrator M. Shawn Rosno.
Since 2021, Schuyler County has secured more than $862,000 from previous opioid-related settlements with companies like Johnson & Johnson and Teva. These stem from a 2018 lawsuit filed by Getman, in partnership with law firm Napoli Shkolnik, at no cost to the county.
That lawsuit, still pending, accuses opioid manufacturers and distributors of fraudulently downplaying the risks of addiction, especially for non-cancer pain.
More settlements may still be on the way. A full copy of Schuyler County’s original complaint is available at: tinyurl.com/5auyrmdc
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