Johnson & Johnson offers $5.5bn to settle 76,000 talc cancer claims

Published Jul 28, 10:17 AM UTC

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has agreed to pay an estimated $5.5bn (£4.1bn) to resolve approximately 76,000 claims that its baby powder caused ovarian cancer. The settlement, which could end a decade-long legal battle, requires acceptance by 95% of claimants in state or federal court. J&J Vice President Erik Haas stated the claims were 'meritless' but the company sought closure. The company expects to pay $3bn in 2027 with further payments in 2028. J&J previously settled most mesothelioma-related talc cases and ended global sales of talc-based baby powder in 2023, switching to corn starch. The settlement follows three failed bankruptcy filings by J&J through a shell subsidiary. Attorney Chris Seeger, representing about 2,500 clients, said J&J could ultimately pay $7bn or more. More than 3,000 people also filed lawsuits in Britain's High Court last year over alleged cancer links to the product used between 1965 and 2023.