Family behind OxyContin attests to its role in opioid crisis
By GEOFF MULVIHILL Associated Press
Members of the family that owns OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma have acknowledged the drug had a role in the opioid crisis but have stopped short of apologizing or admitting wrongdoing. Two members of the Sackler family appeared before a congressional panel Thursday. It marks a rare appearance in a public forum for the Sacklers, who’ve faced increased scrutiny in recent years over Purdue Pharma’s role in the nation’s opioid addiction and overdose crisis. Activists had been waiting to hear them field tough questions. Kathe Sackler and David Sackler agreed to testify after the committee’s chairwoman, Democratic Rep. Carolyn Maloney, threatened to issue subpoenas. Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper says watching them testify made his “blood boil.”