Helping combat the opioid epidemic

As opioid addiction continues to impact patients and families, we take a proactive, collaborative approach to help combat opioid misuse and abuse while also seeking to ensure access for patients with legitimate medical needs. We commit resources and expertise to help fight this health crisis and work closely with our nonprofit partners to support prescription drug safety and mental health resources in local communities.

In FY22, Cencora, then AmerisourceBergen, along with two other pharmaceutical distributors, agreed to a nationwide settlement that resolves a substantial majority of the opioid-related lawsuits filed by state and local government entities across the United States. We have also entered into separate settlements with West Virginia subdivisions, Native American tribes, the State of Alabama, and classes of third-party payers and acute care hospitals. While we strongly dispute the allegations, we believe reaching a settlement was an important step towards achieving a global resolution for claims filed and delivering meaningful relief to communities that have been impacted across the United States. As part of the nationwide settlement, Cencora agreed to pay up to approximately $6.4 billion over 18 years. As of September 30, 2024, Cencora’s accrued litigation liability related to the nationwide settlement is now $4.9 billion, which will be paid out over 14 years. Additionally, we are complying with other requirements of the nationwide settlement, including the establishment of a clearinghouse that consolidates data from all three national distributors and will be available to the participating states to use as part of their anti-diversion efforts. We are currently in the process of working with a vendor to implement the clearinghouse in FY25.

*Though this report was developed in September 2019, it is periodically reviewed and the management approach remains consistent.