Rick Mountcastle on 'Dopesick' and America's Opioid Crisis: A Prosecutor's Perspective
We've got a great justice system, probably, I would say, and I've said it before, the best justice system in the world. And so it makes me feel like there's unfinished business. There's unfinished work that needs to be done...
Rick Mountcastle, a retired federal prosecutor and current Assistant Attorney General for Virginia, takes you behind the scenes of one of the most pivotal cases in America's opioid crisis. In this episode of 'Dissect & Connect', Mountcastle recounts his role in prosecuting Purdue Pharma and its top executives for the false marketing of OxyContin, a case that became the centerpiece of Beth Macy's book 'Dopesick' and its subsequent Hulu series. But the story doesn't stop there.
Mountcastle also delves into his prosecution of Abbott Laboratories for similar deceptive practices with the epilepsy drug Depakote, resulting in a landmark $1.5 billion settlement. Through his narrative, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the systemic corruption within the pharmaceutical industry and the legal battles fought to hold these companies accountable.
Mountcastle reflects on the far-reaching impact of the opioid epidemic on families and communities, shedding light on the importance of evidence-based medical practices and the moral and legal responsibilities of healthcare providers. He also offers practical prevention strategies and demand reduction approaches that can help curb this crisis. If you're looking to understand the roots of America's addiction epidemic and the fight for justice, this episode is a must-listen.