Johnson & Johnson offers $9.5 billion to settle talc lawsuits
US pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson has offered US$5.5 billion ($9.5b) to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits claiming that its talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer, the company said on Tuesday.
The proposed settlement aims to end a long-standing legal battle that has weighed on the New Jersey-based firm for years.
J&J said the settlement covers about 76,000 claims, representing nearly all remaining talc claims.
The firm denies its talc-based products caused cancer but stopped selling its talc-based baby powder in the United States and Canada in 2020.
Its vice-president of litigation Erik Haas said the claims “lack scientific merit”.
“This resolution allows the company to put this matter behind it and remain focused on its mission to develop medicines and devices that save lives,” he said in a statement.
The company has previously settled most of the cases alleging that its talcum powder contained traces of asbestos blamed for causing cancer.
It also faces a lawsuit in Britain over similar claims filed in 2025.
According to the law firm representing about 3000 complainants, the compensation claim “is estimated to be more than £1 billion ($2.3b).
Claimants allege that either they or a family member developed forms of ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using J&J’s baby powder.
- AFP
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you
Get the iHeart App
Get more of the radio, music and podcasts you love with the FREE iHeart app. Scan the QR code to download now.
Download from the app stores
Stream unlimited music, thousands of radio stations and podcasts all in one app. iHeart is easy to use and all FREE
