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The former president and board chair of the company that makes OxyContin told a court Wednesday that he, his family and the company did not cause the opioid crisis in the United States. Richard Sackler, a member of the family that owns Purdue Pharma, was asked under oath during a federal bankruptcy hearing whether he, his kin or the company bear responsibility. For each, Sackler answered simply: “No.” (Mulvihill, 8/18)

Deep into the third hour of testimony in federal bankruptcy court by Dr. Richard Sackler, a former president and co-chairman of the board of directors of Purdue Pharma, a prescription opioid manufacturer founded by Sackler family members, a lawyer posed a chain of questions: “Do you have any responsibility for the opioid crisis in the United States?” “No,” Dr. Sackler, 76, replied faintly. “Does the Sackler family have any responsibility for the opioid crisis in the United States?” Again, “No.” And finally: “Does Purdue Pharma have any responsibility for the opioid crisis in the United States?” More firmly: “No.” (Hoffman, 8/18)

Amid a contentious bankruptcy court trial, a member of the Sackler family that owns Purdue Pharma said they would not proceed with plans to contribute more than $4.3 billion to settle massive litigation over the opioid crisis unless they are granted immunity from all existing and future legal claims. David Sackler, 41, who is a former Purdue board member and grandson of one of the founders of the drug maker, acknowledged the family has a “moral responsibility to try and help, and that’s what this settlement is designed to do.” But he also maintained that without receiving a global release from legal liability, the carefully crafted settlement would fall apart. (Silverman, 8/18)

U.S. states are racing to meet a deadline to commit to a $26 billion opioid settlement with three drug distributors and the drugmaker Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N), as some grapple with local resistance and concerns the amount isn't big enough to address the damage done by an epidemic of addiction. Fourteen state attorneys general unveiled the proposed settlement with McKesson Corp (MCK.N), AmerisourceBergen Corp (ABC.N), Cardinal Health Inc (CAH.N) and J&J on July 21, kicking off a months-long process for states, counties and cities to sign on. (Raymond, 8/19)

Three health care facilities in West Virginia will receive $1 million apiece to treat and prevent substance use disorders in rural communities. Sens. Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito announced the funding Wednesday from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. The funding will go to the Wirt County Health Service Association, One Voice Inc. based in the Wyoming County community of Oceana and the Prestera Center for Mental Health Services based in Huntington. (8/19)