Johnson & Johnson Agrees to $5.5 Billion Settlement to Resolve Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits
Johnson & Johnson has offered to pay approximately $5.5 billion to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging that its talc-based baby powder and other talc products caused ovarian cancer. The settlement covers roughly 76,000 claims in US federal and state courts, representing nearly all of the remaining talc-related litigation against the company. Erik Haas, the vice president of litigation for Johnson & Johnson, stated that the claims were "meritless" and that the company was willing to settle to achieve closure. While the company maintains that its talc products were safe and did not contain asbestos, it transitioned to a cornstarch-based baby powder in 2020. The agreement will be finalized once accepted by 95% of the ovarian cancer claimants. The settlement accelerates payments, ensuring all claims will be paid within 18 months, rather than being spread over a decade. This landmark deal allows the company to focus on its mission of developing medicines and devices that save lives.