On July 27, 2026, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) (the “Company”) announced that it has reached an agreement for a comprehensive resolution of the remaining talc litigation with the plaintiff firms leading the federal Multi-District Litigation (MDL) and related state court proceedings, conditioned on, among other things, the express participation of at least 95% of the remaining claims. Johnson & Johnson stated in its press release that the proposed resolution follows a favorable ruling by the MDL court, and acknowledgment by plaintiffs’ counsel, regarding plaintiffs’ inability to prove that the Company’s talc products caused any particular claimant’s ovarian cancer (“specific causation”).

Johnson & Johnson made the commercial decision to discontinue talc-based JOHNSON’S® Baby Powder globally in 2023. Additionally, Johnson & Johnson separated its consumer health business, Kenvue, in August 2023.

Johnson & Johnson stated that the proposed resolution:

  • Requires and is conditioned on—among other criteria—the participation of lead plaintiff firms in all ovarian talc litigation pending in state and federal court, representing at least 95% of the remaining claims.
  • Calls for per claim payments, with a $5.5 billion commitment by the Company and the first payment of no more than $3 billion to be made in 2027 and no additional payments due before 2028.
  • Complements the progress the Company already has made to resolve the talc litigation, including previously settling about 95% of filed mesothelioma lawsuits, all State consumer protection claims, and all talc-supplier disputes.
  • Brings finality to this meritless 15-year litigation.

Johnson & Johnson’s Worldwide Vice President of Litigation stated in the press release: “After decades of litigation and full vetting of the science in an extensive hearing, plaintiffs effectively conceded their inability to prove specific causation by withdrawing their experts on the topic in two bellwether cases. In a watershed moment, the Court thereafter ordered plaintiffs to show why the remaining claims should not be dismissed, confirming what we have maintained for years: that these claims lack scientific merit and were sustained only by unreliable expert opinions that could not survive rigorous judicial review. The Court’s order placed plaintiffs in an untenable position of having to present specific causation evidence to maintain their claims that does not exist. While we are confident the Company would have ultimately prevailed with further litigation, as it has in the vast majority of cases tried to date, 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.”

Source

If you or a loved one were harmed as a result of a talc product, such as baby powder, in the United States, you should promptly consult with a talc lawyer in your state who may investigate your talcum powder cancer claim for you and represent you or your loved one in a claim against the manufacturer of an unreasonably dangerous consumer product, if appropriate.

Visit our website to be connected with talc claim lawyers in your state who may assist you, or telephone us toll-free in the United States at 800-295-3959.

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