Johnson & Johnson has offered $5.5 billion to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging its talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer. The proposed agreement seeks to resolve one of the company’s longest-running legal disputes.
The US pharmaceutical giant announced that the settlement would cover approximately 76,000 claims. According to the company, the deal represents nearly all remaining lawsuits related to its talc products.
Johnson & Johnson has consistently denied allegations that its talc-based products caused cancer. However, the company stopped selling its talc-based baby powder in the United States and Canada in 2020.
Company Maintains Products Were Safe
The company said the settlement would help conclude years of costly litigation. Meanwhile, its vice president of litigation insisted that the claims lacked scientific merit.
He added that resolving the lawsuits would allow Johnson & Johnson to focus on developing medicines and medical devices. Furthermore, the company said the agreement would remove uncertainty surrounding the long-running legal battle.
Johnson & Johnson has previously settled thousands of lawsuits involving claims that its talcum powder contained traces of asbestos. Plaintiffs alleged that asbestos exposure caused several forms of cancer.
Legal Challenges Continue Overseas
The company also faces legal action in the United Kingdom over similar allegations filed in 2025. According to the law firm representing around 3,000 claimants, the compensation claim exceeds £1 billion.
Claimants alleged that they or their relatives developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder. However, the company continues rejecting claims that its talc products caused the illnesses.
The proposed settlement marks another major step in resolving the company’s extensive talcum powder litigation. Nevertheless, legal proceedings in other jurisdictions remain ongoing.
