August 22, 2025 | Wilmington, Delaware — MedLegalNews.com — Executives and directors of Cencora Inc., formerly AmerisourceBergen, have agreed to a proposed $111.25 million Cencora opioid settlement to resolve a stockholder derivative lawsuit in Delaware’s Court of Chancery. The case accused company leaders of ignoring red flags tied to illegal opioid distribution, a failure that allegedly fueled the nationwide addiction crisis.
Settlement Details and Court Oversight
The proposed agreement, subject to court approval, aims to compensate the company for alleged leadership failures to implement adequate oversight of opioid sales. According to filings, up to 25% of the payout may be set aside for attorney fees and costs.
The settlement follows years of litigation dating back to 2021, when pension fund stockholders alleged that Cencora executives repeatedly failed to address “undeniable evidence of widespread illegal opioid sales.” These lapses, they argued, led the company to pay nearly $7 billion in fines and settlements.
Comparison to Other Opioid Settlements
The deal mirrors a 2024 Delaware Chancery Court settlement in which Walmart paid $123 million to resolve oversight claims regarding opioid prescriptions. In that case, attorneys received a $24.6 million fee award.
Cencora has previously committed to pay up to $6.4 billion over 18 years under a nationwide agreement with states and municipalities to resolve opioid-related damage claims.
Delaware Supreme Court Influence
The case gained new momentum after the Delaware Supreme Court revived claims previously dismissed by the Chancery Court. The high court rejected reliance on a contradictory ruling in a West Virginia opioid case, allowing stockholders to move forward with oversight breach claims.
Next Steps
The settlement was brokered through mediation led by Layn R. Phillips, a former federal judge and founder of Phillips ADR Enterprises. Attorneys for both sides said the terms were fair and adequate given the risks of ongoing litigation. Company officers and directors continue to deny liability.
For additional background on opioid litigation and corporate accountability, visit the U.S. Department of Justice Opioid Settlements Resource.
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FAQs: About Cencora Opioid Settlement
What is the Cencora opioid settlement about?
The settlement resolves a derivative lawsuit accusing Cencora’s executives of ignoring opioid distribution risks that led to billions in fines and fueled the addiction crisis.
How much will the Cencora opioid settlement cost the company?
The proposed agreement totals $111.25 million, with up to 25% earmarked for attorney fees and costs, pending Delaware court approval.
Why did the Delaware Supreme Court revive the case?
The court ruled that the Chancery Court improperly relied on contradictory findings from a West Virginia case, allowing stockholders’ oversight claims to move forward.
Who will oversee the approval of the Cencora opioid settlement?
The Delaware Court of Chancery will review and approve the Cencora opioid settlement to ensure the agreement is fair, reasonable, and in the company’s best interest.