US drug maker filed for bankruptcy Overdose has become a problem

Purdue Pharma, one of the major manufacturers of medical narcotic opioids, announced that it has applied for Article 11 (corresponding to the Japanese Civil Rehabilitation Law) on the 15th. In the United States, drug addiction caused by overdose of opioids has become a social problem, and more than 2,600 lawsuits have been filed against the company. This application is part of a settlement agreed with 24 states. The company has contributed more than 10 billion dollars (about 1.80 trillion yen) for drug countermeasures and treatment, and the company's owner, the Sackler family, known for charity, will also contribute 3 billion dollars.

On the other hand, about half of the states in the United States are opposed to the settlement clause and bankruptcy law applications, and are ready to pursue the responsibility of the Sackler family. (Washington = Keisuke Katori)