Roundup, the popular weed killer manufactured by Monsanto and its parent company Bayer, has been at the center of numerous lawsuits alleging that exposure to the product can cause cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In the most recent trial, decided on December 1, 2023, a Philadelphia jury awarded $3.5 million to a woman who claimed Roundup caused her cancer. This verdict marks yet another blow to Bayer, which has faced a series of recent trial losses and hefty jury verdicts in the ongoing Roundup litigation. 

The $3.5 Million Roundup Verdict in Philadelphia

In the Philadelphia trial, Kelly Martel, the plaintiff, asserted that her non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was a result of her exposure to Roundup. The jury sided with Martel, awarding her $462,500 in compensatory damages and an additional $3 million in punitive damages. This verdict comes on the heels of several other significant jury awards against Bayer, including a $175 million verdict in Philadelphia, a $332 million verdict in San Diego, and a staggering $1.56 billion verdict in Missouri. While the recent verdict is smaller in comparison, it adds to the mounting legal pressure on Bayer.

The Link Between Glyphosate and Cancer

The key ingredient in Roundup weed killer is glyphosate, a chemical that has long been the subject of controversy and debate. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” This classification sparked a surge in lawsuits against Monsanto and Bayer, claiming that Roundup caused cancer and that the companies failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential human health risks.

Multiple studies have examined the association between glyphosate exposure and cancer. For example, a study published in Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research found a 41% greater overall risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in individuals exposed to glyphosate-based herbicides. In another study published earlier this year in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 10 scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and two from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that people exposed to glyphosate have biomarkers in their urine tied to the development of cancer and other diseases. Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that the study “contributes to the weight of evidence supporting an association between glyphosate exposure and oxidative stress in humans.”

Roundup Lawsuits: A Losing Streak for Bayer

Bayer’s acquisition of Monsanto in 2018 brought with it a wave of lawsuits alleging that Roundup causes cancer. While the company initially won several trials and settled others, the tide recently turned against them. This latest string of trial losses, including this month’s Philadelphia verdict, has raised concerns among investors and prompted calls for a swift settlement to avoid further substantial damages.

The financial implications of the Roundup litigation for Bayer are significant. The company has set aside billions of dollars to cover expected losses in upcoming Roundup lawsuits, but the exact extent of the financial fallout remains uncertain. As of now, there are approximately 52,000 unresolved lawsuits against the company, and more trials are scheduled for the coming year.

The Future of Roundup Litigation

Bayer has consistently maintained that Roundup is safe and does not cause cancer. The company argues that the scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the safety of glyphosate and that regulatory agencies worldwide have endorsed its use. Bayer contends that the recent verdicts are at odds with scientific consensus and intends to appeal the decisions. Still, the Roundup litigation shows no signs of slowing down. Thousands of individuals are pursuing legal action against Bayer, either by rejecting settlement offers or filing new claims. The outcomes of ongoing trials, like the recent Philadelphia verdict, will serve as crucial benchmarks for future lawsuits. Additionally, the litigation has prompted discussions about the need for stricter regulation and clearer labeling of glyphosate-based herbicides.

Protecting Consumers from Harmful Products

The $3.5 million verdict in the Philadelphia Roundup trial adds to Bayer’s string of losses and highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding the popular weed killer. The Roundup lawsuits have raised important questions about consumer awareness and protection. As the litigation continues to unfold, the potential risks associated with glyphosate-based herbicides like Roundup remain a topic of concern. It is essential for individuals who have used Roundup or other glyphosate-based products to understand the potential risks and their legal options if they have developed cancer or other related health issues. The outcome of future trials and any potential settlements will undoubtedly shape the landscape of this high-profile product liability dispute.