Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, has officially ceased operations as part of its long-running bankruptcy resolution, marking a major milestone in the ongoing response to the opioid epidemic. The company is being replaced by Knoa Pharma, a new public benefit corporation that will operate under independent oversight and direct its net profits toward efforts to address opioid addiction, prevention, treatment, and recovery.
The shutdown follows a sweeping legal settlement tied to Purdue’s role in the national opioid crisis, with billions of dollars expected to support states, communities, tribes, and individuals affected by opioid-related harm. Reporting on the settlement also highlights that members of the Sackler family, who formerly owned Purdue, will have no role in the new company.
For healthcare leaders, pharmacists, policymakers, and addiction professionals, Purdue’s closure represents more than the end of a company. It underscores the continued importance of opioid settlement funding, evidence-based addiction treatment, and long-term accountability in addressing the overdose crisis. As communities work to translate settlement dollars into prevention, recovery support, and clinical care, the transition from Purdue Pharma to Knoa Pharma will remain a significant development in opioid policy and public health.