Moms, dads and grandparents told heartbreaking stories during a case settled July 20 as a Federal judge in Virginia ordered OxyContin manufacturer Purdue Pharma to pay $634 million for "making false statements" about the powerfully addicting drug. Over 200 Virginians have died from overdose of the drug. Mountain Community families believe at least one local death can be attributed to overdose of the painkiller being used recreationally. It was originally authorized by the Federal Drug Administration for cancer patients in extreme pain. The company was charged with misleading regulators, doctors and consumers about the addictive risks of OxyContin.

Three company executives were individually singled out to be held accountable for the company’s aggressive efforts to promote the drug for purposes not approved by the FDA.They led Purdue Pharma to invite doctors and dentists on cruises and junkets to promote broad use of the heroin-like drug for "off label" uses, including toothaches, resulting in extensive addiction and illicit access to the drug. The practice is said to have yielded $9.6 billion for the drug company. As they settled the case, Purdue claimed it was the doctors who prescribed the drug, who are responsible. The money will settle civil suits by Virginia families of those who have died and become addicted, and to repay government medical services charged for the drugs.

This is part of the July 27, 2007 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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