28.07.2026 07:20
US-based health and personal care products manufacturer Johnson & Johnson has proposed a $5.5 billion settlement to resolve approximately 76,000 lawsuits alleging that its baby powder and talc-based products caused ovarian cancer. While planning the first payment in 2027, the company maintains that talc does not cause cancer.
Johnson & Johnson has announced a settlement proposal including a $5.5 billion payment commitment to resolve lawsuits alleging that its baby powder and other talc-based products caused ovarian cancer.
According to a statement from the company, an agreement has been reached with law firms representing plaintiffs to comprehensively resolve approximately 76,000 ovarian cancer-related talc claims pending in federal and state courts.
AIMING TO COVER 76,000 CASES
For the proposed settlement to take effect, among other conditions, plaintiffs representing at least 95% of the remaining claims must participate in the process.
The settlement came after a court ruling in favor of the company, following the plaintiffs' acknowledgment that they could not prove Johnson & Johnson's talc products caused ovarian cancer in any claimant.
FIRST PAYMENT IN 2027
Under the agreement, Johnson & Johnson has committed to a total payment of $5.5 billion. The first payment is expected to be made in 2027, up to $3 billion, with no additional payment anticipated before 2028.
With this step, the company aims to finally conclude the litigation that has been ongoing for approximately 15 years.
DISCONTINUED SALES IN 2023
Johnson & Johnson discontinued the worldwide sale of its talc-based "Johnson's Baby" powder in 2023 as part of a review of its global product portfolio.
The company maintains that research to date continues to show that talc is safe, contains no asbestos, and does not cause cancer.