Bayer Proposes $7.25 Billion Settlement in Roundup Cancer Lawsuits

Bayer has proposed a $7.25 billion settlement to address thousands of U.S. lawsuits alleging that its Roundup weedkiller causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The settlement, filed in St. Louis Circuit Court, aims to compensate individuals diagnosed with the disease after exposure to Roundup before February 17, 2026.

The agreement outlines declining annual payments over up to 21 years, providing financial certainty for both Bayer and claimants. Bayer CEO Bill Anderson stated, "Litigation uncertainty has plagued the company for years, and this settlement gives the company a road to closure."

This proposal coincides with the U.S. Supreme Court's upcoming review of Bayer's argument that the Environmental Protection Agency's approval of Roundup without a cancer warning should preempt state court claims. The settlement is designed to mitigate risks associated with the pending Supreme Court decision.

Bayer, which acquired Roundup manufacturer Monsanto in 2018, maintains that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is not carcinogenic. However, the company has expressed concerns that escalating legal costs could impact its ability to continue selling the product in U.S. markets.

The proposed settlement requires court approval and, if accepted, would establish a long-term claims program managed by a professional administrator to address both current and future claims.