Summary
The podcast episode features an interview with a journalist who extensively researched and wrote a book on the opioid crisis and Purdue Pharma, the company behind OxyContin. The journalist explains the complex web of actors involved in the drug trade, including producers, distributors, regulators, policy makers, providers, and patients. The podcast delves into the history of Purdue Pharma and the development of the drug OxyContin. The company claimed that they were unaware of any major problems with the drug for four years after its release in early 1996. However, emails from senior executives suggest that they knew about the drug's abuse potential and associated problems, such as overdoses and robberies, as early as 1997.
The podcast also touches on the importance of patents to drug companies and the unusual process by which OxyContin received FDA approval. The FDA has a dual role in approving drugs for safety and efficacy, as well as regulating the claims that can be made about them. The podcast discusses the issue of opioid addiction and the role of Purdue Pharma's OxyContin in the epidemic. The company released a reformulated version of the drug in 2010 that was tamper-proof, but there are questions about why it took so long to develop and whether it was primarily done to extend the patent life.
The podcast also discusses the comparison between O.J. Simpson's crime and the Sackler family's involvement in the opioid crisis. The author of the book on the Sacklers believes that the family will forever be socially punished for their role in the crisis, but they may not feel any shame. The podcast raises questions about whether justice is being served, whether the proposed settlement creates a sufficient deterrent for future entities to be more careful, and whether money can fix everything related to the opioid crisis.
The podcast concludes with a discussion on the role of Purdue and the Sackler family in perpetuating the opioid crisis. The speaker believes that the problem needs more resources and treatment options, as well as a reduction in the stigma associated with addiction. They express optimism about the future, but acknowledge the fragility of recovery and the difficulty in addressing the problem on a national level. The podcast is a comprehensive overview of the opioid crisis and the role of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family in perpetuating it.
