description Empire of Pain Overview
Patrick Radden Keefe’s *Empire of Pain* meticulously details the Sackler family’s decades-long involvement with Purdue Pharma and the subsequent proliferation of OxyContin. The book exposes how this pharmaceutical dynasty aggressively marketed the opioid painkiller while largely ignoring evidence of its addictive potential. It reveals a complex web of deception, legal maneuvering, and financial strategies that fueled a national crisis. *Empire of Pain* is essential reading for those seeking to understand the origins and devastating consequences of the American opioid epidemic, particularly journalists, historians, and anyone interested in corporate malfeasance and public health.
help Empire of Pain FAQ
What company did the Sackler family own in 'Empire of Pain'?
The Sackler family owned Purdue Pharma, the pharmaceutical company that developed and aggressively marketed OxyContin, a time-release opioid painkiller approved by the FDA in 1995. Patrick Radden Keefe traces the family's history across three generations, from their early valium marketing to the opioid epidemic.
What awards did 'Empire of Pain' receive?
'Empire of Pain' won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2021. It was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction and appeared on numerous best-of-the-year lists from publications including The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Is Patrick Radden Keefe a staff writer?
Yes, Patrick Radden Keefe is a staff writer at The New Yorker, where he has published extensive investigative journalism. His previous book, 'Say Nothing' (2019), about the Troubles in Northern Ireland, was also a major bestseller and critical success.
Did Purdue Pharma face legal consequences as described in the book?
Purdue Pharma filed for bankruptcy in 2019 amid thousands of lawsuits from cities, states, and individuals seeking accountability for the opioid crisis. The book details how the Sackler family negotiated a settlement that would grant them broad legal immunity, a deal that remains the subject of ongoing legal challenges.
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