New Delhi, July 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has agreed to pay up to $5.5 billion to resolve remaining lawsuits in the United States alleging that its talc-based products were linked to ovarian cancer, the company said.
The proposed settlement, however, is conditional on participation from at least 95 per cent of the remaining claimants. It covers pending talc litigation before US federal and state courts and aims to bring an end to a legal battle that has continued for nearly 15 years.
The company said the agreement follows a recent ruling by the federal Multi-District Litigation (MDL) court, which found that plaintiffs had not established specific causation — that J&J’s talc products caused cancer in individual cases.
Under the proposed arrangement, Johnson & Johnson will commit up to $5.5 billion, with the first payment of up to $3 billion expected in 2027. The company said no further payments would be required before 2028.
The settlement requires support from lead plaintiff law firms representing at least 95 per cent of the outstanding ovarian cancer claims before it can take effect.
J&J said the agreement builds on earlier settlements covering around 95 per cent of filed mesothelioma lawsuits, state consumer protection claims and disputes involving talc suppliers.
Erik Haas, Worldwide Vice President of Litigation at Johnson & Johnson, said the company continued to maintain that the claims lacked scientific basis but decided to resolve the litigation to avoid further legal proceedings.
The company has maintained that decades of research and independent scientific reviews support the safety of cosmetic talc and that its talc products do not contain asbestos or cause cancer.
Johnson & Johnson stopped global sales of talc-based JOHNSON’S Baby Powder in 2023 as part of a portfolio review. The company also separated its consumer health business, Kenvue, the same year while retaining responsibility for talc-related liabilities.
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