Mortimer Sackler was an American physician and entrepreneur who co-founded the pharmaceutical company, Purdue Pharma
Born in 1916 in New York City, Sackler obtained a medical degree from Columbia University and later worked as a psychiatrist
In the 1950s, he and his brothers, Raymond and Arthur, purchased Purdue Frederick, a small pharmaceutical company, and transformed it into a major player in the industry
Under Mortimer's leadership, Purdue Pharma introduced OxyContin, a potent opioid painkiller, in 1996
While initially successful, OxyContin later became embroiled in controversy due to concerns over its addictive properties and contribution to the opioid crisis in the United States
Numerous lawsuits and government investigations have been launched against Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family
Despite his success in the pharmaceutical industry, Sackler was also known for his philanthropic activities
He and his brothers were active contributors to cultural, educational, and scientific institutions around the world
Sackler established the Mortimer D
Sackler Foundation, which has supported various causes, including medical research, arts, and humanities
Mortimer Sackler passed away in 2010, leaving behind a legacy that is both celebrated and marred by the ongoing controversy surrounding Purdue Pharma and the opioid crisis.
Under Mortimer's leadership, Purdue Pharma introduced OxyContin, a potent opioid painkiller, in 1996. While initially successful, OxyContin later became embroiled in controversy due to concerns over its addictive properties and contribution to the opioid crisis in the United States. Numerous lawsuits and government investigations have been launched against Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. Despite his success in the pharmaceutical industry, Sackler was also known for his philanthropic activities. He and his brothers were active contributors to cultural, educational, and scientific institutions around the world. Sackler established the Mortimer D. Sackler Foundation, which has supported various causes, including medical research, arts, and humanities. Mortimer Sackler passed away in 2010, leaving behind a legacy that is both celebrated and marred by the ongoing controversy surrounding Purdue Pharma and the opioid crisis.