Cardinal Health
Cardinal Health is a major American health care services company focused on pharmaceutical distribution, medical products, specialty services, and health care logistics.
Last updated October 19, 2026
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Overview
Cardinal Health is an American multinational health care services company headquartered in Dublin, Ohio. Its principal activities are the distribution of pharmaceuticals, medical and surgical products, and specialized health care services. The company supplies pharmacies, hospitals, health systems, physician practices, ambulatory facilities, laboratories, and other care providers. Its distribution network reaches more than 100,000 locations and, according to the referenced company description, provides medical products to more than three-quarters of hospitals in the United States. The business began in 1971 as Cardinal Foods, a food wholesaler founded by Robert D. Walter. Its transition into health care distribution began with the 1979 acquisition of Bailey Drug Company. Cardinal Foods exited food distribution in 1988, when those operations were sold to Roundy's, allowing the company to concentrate on pharmaceuticals and related services. It went public on NASDAQ in 1983 and changed its name to Cardinal Health in 1994. During the 1990s, rapid sales growth and acquisitions made it one of the largest pharmaceutical wholesalers in the United States. Cardinal expanded beyond conventional drug wholesaling through acquisitions in pharmacy services, medical products, automation, specialty pharmaceuticals, home medical supplies, and medical technology. Notable transactions included Medicine Shoppe International, Pyxis Corporation, Owen Healthcare, Allegiance Healthcare, Bindley Western Industries, AssuraMed, Cordis, and part of Medtronic's patient-care portfolio. These businesses gave Cardinal capabilities ranging from automated medication dispensing and pharmacy management to surgical products, diabetes supplies, cardiovascular devices, and direct-to-patient medical equipment. The company has also used partnerships and divestitures to reshape its portfolio. In 2009, its clinical and medical products businesses were spun off into CareFusion, an independent medical technology company. Cardinal later formed Red Oak Sourcing with CVS Caremark to procure generic medicines for the United States. It sold its Yong Yu Chinese distribution business to Shanghai Pharmaceuticals in 2017 and divested Cordis to private equity ownership in 2021. Cardinal's business includes pharmaceutical distribution, medical and surgical product manufacturing and distribution, nuclear and radiopharmaceutical services, specialty pharmaceutical services, pharmaceutical packaging and supply-chain solutions, and at-Home Solutions. The company operates one of the largest radiopharmacy networks in the United States and serves patients directly through home medical supply businesses such as Edgepark and US MED. Its strategic role is that of an infrastructure provider linking manufacturers with pharmacies, hospitals, clinicians, and patients rather than a consumer-facing medicine brand. The company has faced substantial regulatory and litigation exposure. Federal investigations and settlements have concerned controlled-substance monitoring and the distribution of opioids, while product-safety actions affected the Alaris SE infusion pump. Cardinal also restated earlier financial statements after an accounting review in the mid-2000s. In 2021, it agreed with other pharmaceutical companies to participate in a multibillion-dollar settlement resolving thousands of opioid-related lawsuits; the referenced material states that Cardinal's share was $6.4 billion paid over 18 years. These events remain important to the company's public profile, alongside its continuing role in health care supply chains and patient access.
History
Cardinal Health traces its origins to 1971, when Robert D. Walter founded Cardinal Foods as a food wholesaler. The company entered pharmaceutical wholesaling after acquiring Bailey Drug Company in 1979 and became publicly traded in 1983. In 1988 it sold its food operations to Roundy's, completing a strategic shift toward health care distribution. The company adopted the Cardinal Health name in 1994, during a period of rapid expansion that saw sales rise sharply and the business become the third-largest pharmaceutical wholesaler in the United States. The 1990s were defined by acquisitions that broadened Cardinal's role. Medicine Shoppe International brought a large retail-pharmacy franchise network. Pyxis Corporation added automated medication-dispensing technology for hospitals, while Owen Healthcare expanded pharmacy management services. The 1999 acquisition of Allegiance Healthcare moved Cardinal into medical products manufacturing and distribution, and Bindley Western Industries strengthened pharmaceutical wholesaling. These transactions transformed Cardinal from a drug distributor into a diversified health care services company. In the 2000s, Cardinal continued acquiring and integrating businesses while changing senior leadership. R. Kerry Clark became president and chief executive officer in 2006, and George S. Barrett became chairman and chief executive officer in 2008. The company also confronted regulatory and accounting problems. In 2004 it announced plans to restate earlier financial results following an accounting review and federal investigation. In 2006, the FDA seized approximately 1,300 Alaris SE infusion pumps, after which Cardinal stopped producing the product. A 2007 consent decree and a further 2009 agreement addressed manufacturing and safety procedures. Cardinal completed the spin-off of its clinical and medical products businesses into CareFusion in 2009. It subsequently rebuilt and diversified its health care platform through specialty pharmaceutical services, independent-pharmacy distribution, medical supplies, and home care. Acquisitions included ParMed Pharmaceuticals, VIASYS Healthcare, Healthcare Solutions Holding, Kinray, and numerous other companies. The 2013 acquisition of AssuraMed, including Edgepark Medical Supplies, significantly expanded the company's direct-to-patient home medical supply business. The company formed Red Oak Sourcing with CVS Caremark in 2013, with operations beginning in 2014. The venture was designed to source generic pharmaceuticals for the United States. Cardinal also acquired Johnson & Johnson's Cordis cardiovascular and endovascular device division in 2015 and acquired Medtronic's patient-product portfolio in 2017. It sold Yong Yu, a Chinese pharmaceutical distributor acquired during its earlier international expansion, to Shanghai Pharmaceuticals in 2017. Cordis was later sold to private equity ownership in 2021. Controlled-substance distribution became one of Cardinal's most consequential legal issues. In 2008, the company agreed to civil penalties following DEA allegations that it failed to report suspicious hydrocodone orders, and its Lakeland, Florida facility and facilities in New Jersey and Washington faced restrictions. The Lakeland facility was again suspended in 2012 over alleged excessive sales of controlled substances, particularly oxycodone. Cardinal challenged the action but later accepted a two-year restriction on the facility's sale of painkillers and other drugs. In 2016, it paid $44 million to resolve related federal allegations. Beginning in 2019, Cardinal was named in extensive opioid-crisis litigation. In 2021 it agreed to participate in a settlement with other pharmaceutical companies, with the referenced material attributing $6.4 billion of payments over 18 years to Cardinal. Later reported settlements included a shareholder derivative action, agreements with health plans, and a settlement with Baltimore. The company did not admit wrongdoing in the described opioid settlements. Today, Cardinal Health's principal platform combines pharmaceutical distribution, medical and surgical products, specialty services, radiopharmacy, pharmaceutical packaging, and home medical supplies. Its scale and customer relationships make it a major intermediary in the United States health care system. The business remains active, although the supplied materials contain inconsistent or future-dated acquisition claims that require verification before inclusion as established history.
- 2021
Nationwide opioid settlement announced
[1]Cardinal agreed to participate in a multibillion-dollar resolution of opioid-related litigation.
- 2018
Michael Kaufmann becomes chief executive officer
[1]Kaufmann assumed the CEO role after serving as Cardinal's chief financial officer.
- 2017
Medtronic patient-products acquisition completed
[1]The transaction broadened Cardinal's portfolio of patient-care products.
- 2015
Cordis acquisition completed
[1]Cardinal completed its acquisition of Johnson & Johnson's cardiology and endovascular device business.
- 2014
Red Oak Sourcing begins operations
[1]The Cardinal Health and CVS Caremark generic-drug sourcing venture began buying medicines for the United States market.
- 2013
AssuraMed acquired
[1]The acquisition added Edgepark Medical Supplies and expanded Cardinal's home medical supply platform.
- 2009
CareFusion spin-off completed
[1]Cardinal separated its clinical and medical products operations into CareFusion.
- 2001
Bindley Western Industries acquired
[1]The acquisition strengthened Cardinal's pharmaceutical wholesale operations.
- 1999
Allegiance Healthcare acquired
[1]Cardinal entered a larger role in medical products manufacturing and distribution.
- 1996
Pyxis Corporation acquired
[1]The transaction added automated medication-dispensing systems for hospitals.
Products and positioning
A large-scale health care infrastructure and supply-chain company connecting pharmaceutical and medical-product manufacturers with pharmacies, hospitals, clinicians, and patients.
Pharmaceutical distribution · 1979
Pharmaceutical distribution
Cardinal distributes prescription medicines, generic drugs, specialty pharmaceuticals, and other pharmaceutical products to pharmacies, hospitals, health systems, and other care providers. This is the company's central operating platform and depends on large-scale procurement, warehousing, transportation, inventory management, and compliance systems. The business serves a broad institutional and retail customer base rather than selling primarily to individual consumers.
Medical supplies · 1999
Medical and surgical products
Cardinal manufactures and distributes medical and surgical products used in hospitals, ambulatory settings, and clinical practices. The portfolio includes examination gloves, surgical apparel, fluid-management products, and other disposable or regularly consumed supplies. This segment complements pharmaceutical distribution by giving health care customers access to products needed for routine care, procedures, and hospital operations.
Radiopharmaceutical services
Radiopharmacy services
Cardinal operates a substantial United States radiopharmacy network supporting the preparation and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnostic imaging and related clinical applications. Radiopharmacy requires specialized handling, time-sensitive logistics, regulatory controls, and proximity to care sites. This business gives Cardinal a specialized position within health care distribution beyond conventional medicines and supplies.
Home medical supplies · 2013
Edgepark Medical Supplies
Edgepark is a direct-to-patient medical supply business acquired through AssuraMed. It supplies products used in home care, including diabetes-related and other recurring medical supplies, and supports ordering, reimbursement, fulfillment, and delivery. The business extends Cardinal's reach from institutional customers into the home and reflects the company's broader at-Home Solutions strategy.
Medication-management technology · 1996
Pyxis medication-dispensing technology
Pyxis developed automated medication-dispensing systems for hospitals. Cardinal acquired the company in 1996, adding technology intended to improve medication storage, access, inventory control, and pharmacy workflow. The business formed part of Cardinal's historical expansion beyond wholesale distribution into hospital automation and clinical support systems.
Cardiovascular medical devices · 2015
Cordis medical devices
Cordis was a cardiology and endovascular device business acquired from Johnson & Johnson in 2015. Its products served interventional cardiovascular and vascular procedures. Cardinal later sold the division in 2021, making Cordis an important example of the company's use of acquisitions to broaden its medical-products platform and subsequent portfolio rationalization.
Controversies
2024
Additional opioid-related settlements
The referenced material reports settlements with health plans and third-party payers, as well as a separate settlement with the City of Baltimore. The reported amounts were $92.7 million and $152.5 million respectively.
2022
Shareholder derivative settlement
The referenced material reports a $124 million settlement of a derivative action brought on behalf of shareholders in connection with opioid-related allegations.
2021
Multistate opioid settlement
Cardinal agreed to participate in a settlement with other pharmaceutical companies resolving thousands of opioid-related lawsuits. The referenced material identifies Cardinal's share as $6.4 billion over 18 years and states that the company did not admit wrongdoing.
2021
New York reaches $1.1 billion opioid settlement with distributors
New York agreed to a $1.1 billion settlement with Cardinal Health, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen over claims that they helped fuel the opioid epidemic. The agreement requires the distributors to create a clearinghouse of opioid shipments to help flag suspicious orders.
2020
Oklahoma sues opioid distributors
In a lawsuit filed by Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter, Cardinal Health, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen were named as defendants. The suit alleged that the companies distributed an oversupply of opioids into Oklahoma. The report describes the companies' liability as alleged and does not establish it. The filing is presented as an allegation by the state's attorney general rather than a finding of wrongdoing.
2019
Opioid-crisis litigation
Cardinal was named in lawsuits alleging that pharmaceutical distributors' practices contributed to opioid over-supply and diversion in the United States.
2019
Four drug companies settle Ohio opioid lawsuit
In an opioid lawsuit brought by Summit and Cuyahoga counties in Ohio, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, McKesson, and Teva reached a $260 million settlement before the scheduled federal trial. The companies stated that the settlement did not constitute an admission of fault for opioid addiction and abuse.
2012
Lakeland facility oxycodone suspension
The DEA suspended the Lakeland facility's controlled-substance distribution license over alleged excessive purchases by Florida pharmacies, particularly involving oxycodone. A federal court upheld the suspension on an imminent-danger rationale, and Cardinal later accepted a two-year restriction.
2008
DEA controlled-substance settlement
Cardinal agreed to pay civil penalties after DEA allegations that it failed to report suspicious hydrocodone orders. Distribution facilities faced temporary restrictions, including a suspension involving the Lakeland, Florida facility.
2006
Alaris SE infusion-pump FDA action
The FDA seized approximately 1,300 Alaris SE infusion pumps, and Cardinal stopped producing the device. The company later entered into consent and compliance agreements addressing product safety and manufacturing procedures.
Marketing campaigns
- 2015Solutions for Patient Safety support
United States
The foundation contributed to the Solutions for Patient Safety project, supporting efforts to improve safety practices in children's hospitals.
Outcome. The contribution supported a national pediatric patient-safety initiative.
- 2008Cardinal Health Foundation charitable giving
United States · International relief programs
The Cardinal Health Foundation supported health-related organizations through product donations, employee charitable matching, and grant programs. Its E3 Grant Program funded hospitals, health systems, and other health organizations.
Outcome. The foundation became a continuing vehicle for community investment and health-related philanthropy.
Brand decisions
2021
Cordis divestitureM&ABackground
Cardinal reassessed its medical-device portfolio after owning Cordis for several years.
Action taken
Cardinal sold Cordis to Hellman & Friedman.
Aftermath
The divestiture reduced Cardinal's direct exposure to cardiovascular device manufacturing.
Divestiture price. $1 billion (2021)
2017
Medtronic patient-products acquisitionM&ABackground
Cardinal sought to increase its range of patient-care and medical products.
Action taken
Cardinal announced and completed the acquisition of Medtronic's patient-product portfolio.
Aftermath
The transaction increased the breadth of Cardinal's medical-products offering.
Acquisition price. $6.1 billion (2017)
2015
Cordis acquisitionM&ABackground
Cardinal was broadening its medical-products portfolio into cardiovascular and endovascular devices.
Action taken
Cardinal agreed to acquire Johnson & Johnson's Cordis division and completed the transaction in October.
Aftermath
Cordis expanded Cardinal's medical-technology presence before being sold in 2021.
Acquisition price. $1.94 billion (2015)
2013
Formation of Red Oak SourcingM&ABackground
Generic medicines were an increasingly important component of United States pharmaceutical supply.
Action taken
Cardinal and CVS Caremark created a joint generic-drug sourcing operation, which began buying products for the United States market in 2014.
Aftermath
Red Oak became one of the largest generic-drug sourcing operations in the United States.
2013
AssuraMed acquisitionM&ABackground
Cardinal sought to expand beyond institutional distribution into home medical supplies and direct-to-patient fulfillment.
Action taken
Cardinal acquired AssuraMed and subsidiaries including Edgepark Medical Supplies.
Aftermath
The transaction became a foundation for the company's at-Home Solutions business.
Acquisition price. $2.7 billion (2013)
2009
Spin-off of CareFusionStrategyBackground
Cardinal separated its clinical and medical products businesses from its distribution-centered operations.
Action taken
The businesses were spun off as CareFusion, with David Schlotterbeck as chief executive officer.
Aftermath
Cardinal returned greater emphasis to pharmaceutical distribution and related health care services.
1988
Exit food wholesalingStrategyBackground
The company had begun as a food wholesaler but was increasingly developing its pharmaceutical business.
Action taken
Cardinal sold its food operations to Roundy's and concentrated on health care distribution.
Aftermath
The divestiture established the strategic foundation for Cardinal Health's later pharmaceutical and medical-products platform.
Recent events
Ember LifeSciences raises $16.5M Series A[8]
Reported:
Ember LifeSciences Inc. raised $16.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Sea Court Capital, with participation from Cardinal Health, Carrier Ventures and other investors, to support development and expansion of its temperature-controlled shipping and storage solutions and the launch of the Ember Cube 2.
- Unconfirmed
New York reaches $1.1 billion opioid settlement with distributors[7]
Reported:
New York agreed to a $1.1 billion settlement with Cardinal Health, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen over claims that they helped fuel the opioid epidemic. The agreement requires the distributors to create a clearinghouse of opioid shipments to help flag suspicious orders.
Oklahoma sues opioid distributors[3]
Reported:
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter filed a lawsuit against Cardinal Health, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen, alleging that the companies distributed an oversupply of opioids into Oklahoma. The companies' liability is alleged, not established in the report.
Michigan sues opioid distributors under state drug-dealer law[6]
Reported:
The state of Michigan filed a lawsuit against Walgreens, Cardinal Health, McKesson Corporation, and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation under the Michigan Drug Dealer Liability Act. The state alleged that the distributors facilitated the illegal opioids market and failed to monitor or report suspicious orders; the companies denied the allegations.
Michigan sues Walgreens and drug distributors over opioid crisis[5]
Reported:
Michigan filed a lawsuit against McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health Inc., AmerisourceBergen Corporation, and Walgreens. The suit charges them with contributing to the opioid epidemic by flooding the market with prescription pain pills and selling the drugs without oversight, allowing diversion for illegal use.
- Unconfirmed
Michigan sued four companies over the opioid epidemic[4]
Reported:
Michigan sued AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, McKesson, and Walgreens over the opioid epidemic. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel alleged that the companies distributed controlled substances in the state without controls; the complaint sought damages related to the crisis.
Four drug companies settle Ohio opioid lawsuit[2]
Reported:
AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, McKesson, and Teva reached a $260 million settlement with Summit and Cuyahoga counties in an opioid lawsuit before the scheduled federal trial. The companies said the settlement did not mean they admitted fault for opioid addiction and abuse.
Sources8 sources
- 1Cardinal Healthen.wikipedia.org
- 2Four drug companies settle Ohio opioid lawsuitnews.china.com.cn
- 3Oklahoma sues opioid distributorspublicradiotulsa.org
- 4Oklahoma sues opioid distributorstheguardian.com
- 5Oklahoma sues opioid distributorsfreep.com
- 6Oklahoma sues opioid distributorsbridgemi.com
- 7New York reaches $1.1 billion opioid settlement with distributorsbtpm.org
- 8Ember LifeSciences 完成1650万美元A轮融资latimes.com
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