Federal OxyContin critic now consults for firm

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A former federal prosecutor who once called OxyContin a plague now works as a consultant for the company that makes the prescription painkiller.

Joseph Famularo, the former U.S. Attorney for Kentucky’s eastern district, advises Purdue Pharma on law enforcement issues. The former U.S. Attorney for Maine – Jay McCloskey – also works as a consultant.

The company said enlisting law enforcement officials was a way to combat abuse and illegal diversion of OxyContin.

Famularo spoke on the company’s behalf at a recent meeting of Kentucky police chiefs. He said he was not paid for the appearance, though the company paid his travel expenses. He also defended the company and its product in an op-ed piece in the Lexington Herald-Leader in September.

“OxyContin is not the demon; its misuse is,” he wrote.