German chemical giant Bayer‘s share price plunged on the news that subsidiary Monsanto’s Roundup weedkiller was found by a Californian jury to be a "substantial factor" in a plaintiff’s cancer.

The jury reached a decision in this first phase on causation, and will consider next the question of liability in phase two before there is a final verdict in this case.

Bayer said in a statement that is was “disappointed” with the jury’s initial decision, but that it firmly believes that “the science confirms that glyphosate-based herbicides do not cause cancer”.

“We are confident the evidence in phase two will show that Monsanto’s conduct has been appropriate and that the company should not be liable for Mr. Hardeman’s cancer. Regardless of the outcome, however, the decision in phase one of this trial has no impact on future cases and trials because each one has its own factual and legal circumstances. We have great sympathy for Mr. Hardeman and his family, but an extensive body of science supports the conclusion that Roundup was not the cause of his cancer. Bayer stands behind these products and will vigorously defend them,” it added.

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