Key Takeaways
- Johnson & Johnson faces ongoing, large-scale litigation over allegations that its talc-based products caused cancer, with tens of thousands of claims still pending as of May 2025.
- Settlement efforts and bankruptcy strategies have been largely unsuccessful, with courts rejecting J&J’s multibillion-dollar proposals and allowing lawsuits to proceed.
- J&J has ceased sales of talc-based powders and continues to contest claims in court, while also resolving some cases through settlements and facing significant financial exposure.
Overview of the Johnson & Johnson Talc Lawsuits
Background and Allegations
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has been a household name for over a century, known for products like its iconic baby powder. However, the company has faced mounting legal challenges over allegations that its talc-based products have caused cancer, specifically ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Plaintiffs claim that J&J’s talc products were contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen, and that the company failed to warn consumers about the risks.
As of May 2025, approximately 50,000 claims remain pending in various courts, including class action lawsuits and multidistrict litigation (MDL) source. The scale and complexity of these cases have made the J&J talc litigation one of the largest product liability battles in U.S. history.
Key Legal Developments
The litigation has produced several notable verdicts and settlements. In Missouri, a jury awarded $2 billion to a group of plaintiffs, a verdict that drew national attention and motivated J&J to consider broad settlement options source. Despite this, J&J has also prevailed in many cases, winning 16 of 17 ovarian cancer trials over the past 11 years source.
The company has been ordered to pay significant sums in other cases, such as a $15 million award to a plaintiff diagnosed with mesothelioma source. These mixed outcomes reflect the contentious and unsettled nature of the litigation.
Settlement Efforts and Bankruptcy Proceedings
J&J’s Bankruptcy Strategy
Facing mounting legal costs and potential liabilities, J&J attempted to resolve the lawsuits through bankruptcy proceedings. In April 2023, the company offered an $8.9 billion settlement to resolve current and future talc claims as part of a bankruptcy plan. However, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court rejected this proposal, finding it insufficient and not meeting the legal requirements for such a resolution source.
The rejection of the bankruptcy settlement allowed the MDL and other lawsuits to proceed, with more than 90,000 lawsuits still active at that time source.
Ongoing Settlement Negotiations
J&J has continued to pursue settlements outside of bankruptcy. The company’s $10 billion settlement proposal was also rejected by a judge, further complicating its legal strategy source. Despite these setbacks, J&J has managed to resolve some claims, including a $505 million settlement with talc suppliers who were driven into bankruptcy by the litigation source.
In addition, a federal judge approved a $6.48 billion, 25-year settlement plan, despite objections from some plaintiffs source. This settlement is intended to provide long-term compensation for claimants, but it does not resolve all outstanding litigation.
Scientific Evidence and Expert Testimony
Disputes Over Causation
A central issue in the litigation is whether J&J’s talc products actually cause cancer. Plaintiffs rely on expert testimony to establish a link between talc use and diseases like ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. J&J has vigorously contested this evidence, arguing that its products are safe and that the scientific evidence is inconclusive.
The company has also challenged the credibility of expert witnesses. For example, J&J reopened a lawsuit against Dr. Jacqueline Moline, an expert witness accused of falsifying information in hundreds of cases source. These disputes over expert testimony have become a focal point in the ongoing litigation.
Regulatory and Scientific Reviews
Regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have conducted their own reviews of talc products. While some studies have suggested a possible link between talc use and cancer, others have found no clear evidence of harm. The FDA has not issued a definitive ban on talc-based powders but has increased scrutiny and testing requirements for cosmetic talc products.
J&J’s Response and Business Impact
Ceasing Sales of Talc-Based Powders
In response to the litigation and growing public concern, J&J announced that it would cease all sales of its talc-based powders by 2023 source. The company has shifted to cornstarch-based alternatives and emphasized its commitment to consumer safety.
Financial Exposure and Market Reactions
The financial implications of the lawsuits are significant. J&J faces a critical test over its $10 billion proposal to end litigation related to its baby powder products source. The company’s legal battles have affected its stock price and reputation, and it has set aside billions of dollars to cover potential liabilities.
Despite these challenges, J&J remains a major player in the healthcare industry. The company continues to defend itself in court, arguing that many claims are without merit and that it will prevail in future trials.
Current Status and Future Outlook
Ongoing Litigation
As of May 2025, the litigation against J&J is far from over. Tens of thousands of claims remain pending, and new cases continue to be filed. The rejection of J&J’s bankruptcy and settlement proposals means that plaintiffs will continue to pursue their claims in court.
The multidistrict litigation process is ongoing, with cases being prepared for trial and settlement negotiations continuing in parallel. The outcome of these proceedings will have significant implications for both J&J and the broader pharmaceutical and consumer products industries.
Potential for Future Settlements
While J&J has achieved some legal victories, the company’s efforts to resolve the litigation through large-scale settlements have so far been unsuccessful. The possibility of future settlements remains, but any resolution will likely require court approval and agreement among a large and diverse group of plaintiffs.
Conclusion
The Johnson & Johnson talc litigation is one of the most significant product liability battles in recent history. The company faces ongoing lawsuits, substantial financial exposure, and intense public scrutiny. While J&J has ceased sales of talc-based powders and resolved some claims, the majority of cases remain unresolved. The legal landscape is complex and evolving, with future developments likely to shape the outcome for both plaintiffs and the company.
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Disclaimer:
This guide provides a general overview of the Johnson & Johnson talc litigation as of May 2025. The information is based on publicly available sources and court filings. The litigation is ongoing, and facts or legal outcomes may change. This is not legal advice. For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified attorney.
