Johnson & Johnson Offers $8.9 Billion to Settle Talcum Powder Cancer Claims
Written by Sanjay Kumar
Johnson & Johnson, the pharmaceutical giant, has proposed to pay almost $9 billion to settle thousands of lawsuits across North America that allege its talc-based products, including baby powder, cause cancer. The company had initially proposed $2 billion to settle the legal battles, but it has now significantly increased the amount to bring the legal battle to a conclusion.
Johnson & Johnson
Pharmaceutical industry company
- CEO: Joaquin Duato (3 Jan 2022–)
- Customer service: 1800 22 8111
- Headquarters: New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
- Subsidiaries: Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Ethicon Inc., MORE
- Founders: James Wood Johnson, Robert Wood Johnson I, Edward Mead Johnson
- Founded: January 1886, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
Over 40,000 lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson by former customers alleging that its talc-based baby powder caused cancer, with some claiming the product contained cancer-causing asbestos. The lawsuits alleged that the talcum powder caused users to develop ovarian cancer through use for feminine hygiene or mesothelioma, which is cancer that strikes the lungs and other organs.
In 2020, Johnson & Johnson halted sales of talc-based baby powder in the US due to “misinformation” that had affected demand for the product. Last year, it announced its plans to end sales globally. The company has been attempting to resolve the lawsuits in bankruptcy court since 2021 after creating a subsidiary responsible for the claims.
Erik Haas, worldwide vice president of litigation for Johnson & Johnson, said, that the company still believes the claims are “specious” and that they “lack scientific merit.” However, the company is willing to settle to conclude legal battles because it could take decades in court and be expensive, he added.
“Resolving this matter through the proposed reorganization plan is both more equitable and more efficient, allows claimants to be compensated in a timely manner, and enables the company to remain focused on our commitment to profoundly and positively impact health for humanity,” Haas said.
Johnson & Johnson says it has received commitments from approximately 60,000 current claimants to support the new settlement terms. While the company has won most of the talc lawsuits against it, it has suffered some significant losses, including one in which 22 women were awarded a judgment of over $2 billion.
The baby powder by Johnson & Johnson has been in the market for almost 130 years, claiming to prevent nappy rash. The current version of the product in stores contains cornstarch.
FAQ
01. What is Johnson & Johnson offering to pay to settle the talcum powder cancer claims?
Johnson & Johnson is proposing to pay almost $9 billion to settle thousands of lawsuits across North America that allege its talc-based products, including baby powder, cause cancer.
02. What are the allegations against Johnson & Johnson in the lawsuits?
Over 40,000 lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson by former customers alleging that its talc-based baby powder caused cancer, with some claiming the product contained cancer-causing asbestos. The lawsuits alleged that the talcum powder caused users to develop ovarian cancer through use for feminine hygiene or mesothelioma, which is cancer that strikes the lungs and other organs.
03. Why did Johnson & Johnson halt sales of talc-based baby powder in the US in 2020?
According to the company, Johnson & Johnson halted sales of talc-based baby powder in the US in 2020 due to “misinformation” that had affected demand for the product.
04. Has Johnson & Johnson won most of the Talc lawsuits against it?
Yes, Johnson & Johnson has won most of the talc lawsuits against it, but it has suffered some significant losses, including one in which 22 women were awarded a judgment of over $2 billion.
05. What is Johnson & Johnson’s position on the claims made against its talcum powder products?
Erik Haas, worldwide vice president of litigation for Johnson & Johnson, said, that the company still believes the claims are “specious” and that they “lack scientific merit.” However, the company is willing to settle to conclude legal battles because it could take decades in court and be expensive, he added.
06. How long has the baby powder by Johnson & Johnson been in the market?
The baby powder by Johnson & Johnson has been in the market for almost 130 years.
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