In brief
Johnson & Johnson has announced a $5.5 bn settlement to resolve tens of thousands of U.S. lawsuits that accuse its talc-based baby powder of causing ovarian cancer. The offer covers around 76,000 cases, including claims tied to asbestos contamination. Anand others, however, say the allegations are meritless, and the company plans to remain focused on drug innovation. The settlement will only become final if approved by the majority of legal representatives in state and federal courts.
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has offered to pay as much as $5.5 bn (£4.14bn) to settle a long-running battle of tens of thousands of lawsuits accusing its talc-based baby powder of causing ovarian cancer.
\The proposed settlement, which covers roughly 76,000 cases, would close the legal saga that has weighed on the New Jersey‑based conglomerate for years. J&J has repeatedly denied that its products were responsible for cancer; it has already shifted its baby powder line to a cornstarch‑based formula worldwide and ceased sales in the United States in 2022.
\Erik Haas, J&J’s vice‑president of litigation, explained on Monday that the allegations are “meritless” and that the company seeks to finally put the matter behind itself, enabling it to focus on developing lifesaving medicines and devices. He added that the firm expects it would prevail if litigation had continued.
\A federal court victory earlier this month further weakened plaintiff arguments by questioning whether plaintiffs could prove talc was the direct cause of their ovarian cancer. The court’s decision hinged on the difficulty of linking the mineral, naturally occurring in seams close to asbestos, to the disease.
\The settlement will only be finalized after acceptance by the majority of legal representatives for the 95% of ovarian‑cancer claims in state and federal courts. J&J plans to make an initial payment of up to $3 bn next year, with further payouts scheduled no earlier than 2028.
\Kenvue, the former consumer health subsidiary spun off in 2022, holds liability for baby powder outside North America.
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