J&J Agrees $5.5bn Settlement Over Talc Cancer Claims

Johnson & Johnson said on Monday that it would pay an estimated $5.5bn to settle about 76,000 lawsuits alleging that its baby powder and other talc-based products caused ovarian cancer.

The agreement could end a legal battle that has lasted more than a decade and covers nearly all of the company’s remaining talc claims. J&J previously settled most cases alleging that its talc contained asbestos and caused mesothelioma. The deal must be accepted by 95% of ovarian cancer claimants before it becomes final.

J&J continues to describe the claims as baseless and maintains that its products were safe. The company said the settlement would allow it to put the litigation behind it and focus on developing medicines and medical devices.

The agreement follows three failed attempts by J&J to settle the claims through bankruptcy proceedings involving a subsidiary, as well as several recent court victories for the company. J&J expects to pay $3bn in 2027, with further payments in 2028. Lawyers for the plaintiffs said the final amount could exceed $7bn, depending on participation.

(Reuters, Max)