OxyContin Maker Purdue Pharma Sentenced

The criminal sentencing of Purdue Pharma marks a significant milestone in the legal battle over the U.S. opioid epidemic.

The judge delayed the proceedings to allow victims and their families to attend in person, many of whom protested outside the Newark courthouse.

The $225 million forfeiture is part of a broader agreement that will see the company dissolved and its assets used to fund addiction treatment and prevention programs.

While the settlement provides some closure, many advocates argue that the penalty is insufficient given the millions of lives impacted by the crisis.