OxyContin is a brand-name prescription opioid developed by Purdue Pharma and introduced in 1996. It contains oxycodone in a controlled-release formulation, designed for the management of severe, long-term pain. While effective for pain relief, OxyContin has been linked to widespread misuse and addiction, playing a central role in the U.S. opioid crisis. Regulatory scrutiny and litigation have significantly impacted its manufacturer and the broader pharmaceutical industry.