OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharma enters final phase to settle thousands of lawsuits

Bankruptcy judge to begin considering settlement as most of the groups with claims against Purdue are on board with the plan

Purdue Pharma's quest to settle thousands of lawsuits over the toll of OxyContin and its other prescription opioid painkillers entered its final phase Thursday with the grudging support of many of those who have claims against the company.

Nearly two years after seeking bankruptcy protection, the company appeared before a US bankruptcy court judge to ask for approval of its plan to reorganize into a new entity no longer controlled by members of the wealthy Sackler family, and with profits dedicated to abating the opioid crisis.