Investopedia·2025-12-02 15:25Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Solicitor General supports Bayer's request for the Supreme Court to review rulings regarding the health impacts of Roundup, potentially affecting the company's liability in ongoing lawsuits [1][7]. Bayer's Stock Performance - Shares of Bayer surged 12% on the German exchange following the Solicitor General's support for the Supreme Court review [1]. Regulatory Background - The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that glyphosate, a key ingredient in Roundup, is "not likely to be carcinogenic in humans," and the Food and Drug Administration has approved numerous labels for Roundup without cancer warnings [2][7]. Legal Arguments - Bayer contends that since federal agencies deem glyphosate safe, customers should not be able to sue under state laws for failing to warn about cancer risks. Most of the ongoing lawsuits are based on "failure-to-warn theories," which could be invalidated by a favorable Supreme Court ruling for Bayer [3][4]. Implications for Investors - A Supreme Court ruling in favor of Bayer could prevent the company from paying billions in settlements related to cancer risk allegations, while a ruling against it could benefit thousands of cancer patients and their families [4]. Bayer's Strategy - Bayer welcomes the Solicitor General's support, stating that a Supreme Court ruling would clarify the company's obligations under state laws versus federal determinations of chemical safety. The company aims to significantly reduce litigation by the end of 2026 [5]. Acquisition Context - Bayer acquired Monsanto in 2018 for $63 billion, and shortly after the acquisition, a California jury found Monsanto liable for failing to warn about Roundup's potential cancer risks [5].