in 2001 "new york times" journalist barry meier, who is the author of "", began investigating purdue pharma and oxycontin, then a relatively unknown drug made by a relatively unknown family the sacklers, who were at that time "one of the wealthiest families in the united states". in an august 24, 2001 taped-interview with three top purdue executives, ceo michael friedman, howard udell and dr. paul goldenheim, the executives told meier that "they had learned of oxycontin’s growing abuse only in early 2000, a statement they also made before congressional committees".