Johnson & Johnson Agrees to $5.5 Billion Settlement to Resolve Talc Cancer Lawsuits

New York: Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay an estimated $5.5 billion to settle approximately 76,000 lawsuits alleging that its talc-based products, including its iconic baby powder, caused ovarian cancer, marking a major step toward ending one of the largest product liability cases in U.S. history.

The proposed settlement covers nearly all remaining ovarian cancer claims pending in federal and state courts. It will become effective only if 95% of eligible claimants agree to participate. Under the agreement, payments are expected to begin in 2027, with additional disbursements scheduled for 2028.

Despite agreeing to the settlement, Johnson & Johnson reiterated that the allegations are without scientific merit, maintaining that its talc products are safe and do not contain asbestos. Company officials said the decision to settle was intended to bring closure to years of costly litigation rather than acknowledge any wrongdoing.

The settlement follows more than a decade of legal disputes over claims that prolonged use of the company’s talc-based baby powder contributed to ovarian cancer. Johnson & Johnson had previously attempted to resolve the litigation through bankruptcy proceedings, but those efforts were rejected by U.S. courts. The company also discontinued sales of talc-based baby powder in the United States in 2020, replacing it with cornstarch-based products.

Law firms representing the plaintiffs welcomed the agreement, describing it as a significant breakthrough that would provide compensation to thousands of women and families after years of legal battles. Analysts said the settlement could remove a longstanding legal overhang for the healthcare giant, although the company may ultimately pay more than the initial estimate depending on claimant participation.