In brief
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has announced a $5.5bn settlement to resolve over 76,000 lawsuits linking its talc‑based baby powder to ovarian cancer. The agreement would end a decades‑long legal battle that has weighed on the company’s finances. J&J says it has switched to a corn‑starch powder and maintains the talc is safe. The settlement would require approval from almost all claims‑representing lawyers and would see payments begin next year.
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has announced it will pay up to $5.5bn (£4.14bn) to settle more than 76,000 personal‑injury lawsuits that say its talc‑based baby powder caused ovarian cancer.
The proposed deal would close the long‑running legal fight that has been a huge risk bulge for the New Jersey‑based health‑care giant for over a decade.
J&J says it changed its baby powder formula to a corn‑starch version in 2022 and continues to deny that talc causes cancer.
If the settlement is approved by lawyers representing 95% of the current claims, J&J will pay up to $3bn next year and nothing before 2028.
The deal also includes the former consumer health business Kenvue, which holds liability for J&J’s baby powder outside North America.
