Makers of OxyContin Bankroll Efforts to Undermine Prescription Painkiller Reform - The Intercept

Makers of OxyContin Bankroll Efforts to Undermine Prescription Painkiller Reform

393517 01: The prescription medicine OxyContin is displayed August 21, 2001 at a Walgreens drugstore in Brookline, MA. The powerful painkiller, manufactured to relieve the pain of seriously ill people, is being used by some addicts to achieve a high similar to a heroin rush. Its popularity among abusers of the drug has resulted in a string of pharmacy robberies nationwide. Armed robbers raid the pharmacies for the painkiller which has a street value of $40 for a 40mg pill. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

Pharmaceutical companies that manufacture and market highly addictive opioid painkillers are funding nonprofit groups fighting against reforms.