Patrick Radden Keefe on Empire of Pain - The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty | 5x15

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Author Patrick Radon Keith won the Bayley Gifford Prize for "The Empire of Pain," delving into the Sackler family's role in the opioid crisis and their philanthropic legacy while facing minimal consequences despite widespread devastation and public backlash.

Insights

  • The Sackler family's strategic marketing of OxyContin, focusing on persuading doctors to prescribe the drug for moderate pain with reduced addiction risks, led to widespread use, substantial profits, and subsequent legal challenges due to addiction, overdoses, and deaths linked to the drug.
  • Despite the Sackler family's philanthropic endeavors, reputation laundering through art sponsorships, and financial settlements to address legal issues related to Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy, questions of accountability and justice persist, with the family avoiding significant consequences beyond reputational damage, highlighting challenges in addressing the ethical implications of their actions.

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Recent questions

  • Who is the author of "The Empire of Pain"?

    Patrick Radon Keith

  • What is the Bayley Gifford Prize's strapline?

    "All the best stories are true"

  • What is the format of the event with Patrick Radon Keith?

    40-45 minute conversation followed by Q&A

  • What is the significance of Arthur Sackler's marketing strategies?

    Laid foundation for selling OxyContin

  • What led to Purdue Pharma's legal challenges?

    Reports of addiction, overdoses, and deaths

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Empire of Pain" author wins prestigious prize.

  • Patrick Radon Keith, author of "The Empire of Pain," won the Bayley Gifford Prize last year.
  • The Bayley Gifford Prize's strapline is "all the best stories are true," emphasizing the truth in Keith's book.
  • Keith's book is described as a thrilling read, keeping readers engaged until the early hours of the morning.
  • Keith is also known for his work at The New Yorker and his book "Say Nothing," soon to be adapted into a Netflix series.
  • The event format includes a 40-45 minute conversation with Keith followed by a Q&A session.
  • Books are available for purchase from Newman Books, with Keith willing to sign copies.
  • Recent news involves the British Museum removing the Sackler family's name due to their association with the opioid crisis.
  • "The Empire of Pain" delves into the history of the Sackler family, focusing on their dominance in the legal opioid trade.
  • Arthur Sackler, the eldest brother, excelled in advertising and marketing, leading to his success in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • The Sackler brothers, including Mortimer and Raymond, transitioned from advertising to pharmaceuticals, eventually developing their own drugs through Purdue Frederick and Napp Pharmaceuticals.

15:00

The Rise and Fall of OxyContin

  • In the 1980s, a reconsideration of pain treatment began, with doctors acknowledging the need to address pain seriously and study its causes and treatments.
  • Doctors recognized the therapeutic value of opioids derived from the opium poppy but were cautious due to their addictive nature.
  • Purdue Pharma developed MS Contin, a morphine-based painkiller with a slow-release mechanism, which was successful but faced generic competition as its patent neared expiration.
  • OxyContin was created as a replacement for MS Contin to maintain profitability, leading to an extensive advertising campaign targeting doctors in the US.
  • Arthur Sackler's marketing strategies laid the foundation for selling OxyContin by focusing on persuading physicians to prescribe the drug.
  • OxyContin was marketed as a solution for moderate pain, expanding its target market beyond cancer patients, with claims of reduced addiction risks.
  • Purdue Pharma's sales representatives heavily incentivized doctors to prescribe OxyContin in large doses over extended periods, leading to widespread use.
  • Purdue Pharma's cooperation with the FDA was crucial for OxyContin's approval and marketing claims, despite concerns about the drug's addictive nature.
  • OxyContin became a highly profitable drug, generating billions in revenue since its introduction in 1996, with Purdue Pharma's profits doubling annually.
  • Purdue Pharma faced increasing scrutiny and legal challenges as reports of addiction, overdoses, and deaths linked to OxyContin emerged, leading to congressional inquiries and public backlash against the Sackler family's involvement in the opioid crisis.

30:31

Legacy of Sackler family and OxyContin scandal

  • A parent emphasizes the value of a good name to their children, highlighting its irreplaceable nature compared to material wealth.
  • The family in question, starting in the late 20s and early 30s, instilled the importance of integrity and a good name as a brand.
  • Arthur Sackler strategically crafted biographies focusing on philanthropy and art collections, omitting his pharmaceutical marketing firm's involvement in Valium marketing.
  • The Sackler family's philanthropic endeavors began in the 50s, notably donating a temple from the Nile to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
  • Mortimer Sackler settled in Belgravia, UK, with his English wife, continuing generous donations on both sides of the Atlantic.
  • The Sackler family developed an "edifice complex," seeking to have their name on prestigious buildings worldwide.
  • Nan Goldin's activism against the Sacklers, due to her addiction to OxyContin, led to successful protests and the removal of the family's name from museums.
  • The Sacklers' avoidance of paper trails and selective storytelling contributed to their reputation laundering through art sponsorships.
  • Purdue Pharma, owned by the Sacklers, filed for bankruptcy, agreeing to pay $6 billion to settle civil lawsuits and avoid future legal action.
  • The Sacklers' third generation, like Richard Sackler's descendants, distanced themselves from the OxyContin controversy, claiming innocence despite benefiting financially.

45:40

Sackler Family Wealth and Opioid Crisis

  • An 11 billion dollar fortune is being paid out over nine years, with some parts extending to 18 years, potentially allowing the family to grow richer without touching their principal.
  • The death toll from the opioid crisis in the United States is estimated to be over 600,000, with a significant increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily due to heroin and fentanyl overdoses.
  • Many firms are hesitant to enter the opioid business due to the risks associated with over-prescribing and legal settlements, recognizing the substantial downside of opioids.
  • The FDA has not significantly toughened rules following the OxyContin scandal, with evidence suggesting a lack of effort to learn from past mistakes, including the loss or destruction of crucial communications.
  • Institutions like the British Museum and Oxford University face dilemmas regarding removing names associated with controversial donors like the Sackler family, balancing financial support with ethical considerations.
  • The V&A Museum has faced public backlash for maintaining ties with the Sackler family, despite protests like a die-in, highlighting the challenges institutions face in navigating such controversies.
  • The Sackler family remains wealthy despite the scandal, with no significant consequences beyond reputational damage, raising questions about accountability and justice in such cases.
  • Criminal prosecution of the Sackler family is unlikely due to resource constraints and the difficulty of winning cases, contrasting with harsh penalties for other drug-related offenses in the US.
  • The enduring legacy of the Sackler name in the art world reflects the complexities of balancing financial support with ethical considerations, with potential long-term repercussions for institutions.
  • The speaker praises the guest for his investigative reporting on the Sackler family and the opioid crisis, highlighting the importance of shedding light on such issues and advocating for justice for those affected.
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