Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has agreed to pay an estimated $5.5 billion to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging that its baby powder and other talc-based products caused ovarian cancer, marking a major step toward ending a decade-long legal dispute.
The company said on Monday that the settlement covers about 76,000 claims, including cases consolidated in federal court in New Jersey and related lawsuits in state courts, representing nearly all of the remaining ovarian cancer claims against J&J.
The company has already resolved most lawsuits alleging that its talc products contained asbestos and caused mesothelioma.
Law firms representing the plaintiffs confirmed the agreement, describing it as a significant resolution after years of litigation. The settlement will become final only if 95% of the ovarian cancer claimants in state and federal courts agree to its terms.
J&J Vice President of Litigation Erik Haas said the company continued to believe the allegations lacked merit but had chosen to settle to bring the dispute to a close.
“While we are confident the company would have ultimately prevailed with further litigation, as it has in the vast majority of cases tried to date, this resolution allows the company to put this matter behind it and remain focused on its mission to develop medicines and devices that save lives,” Haas said.
The company said it expects to pay $3 billion in 2027, with additional payments scheduled for 2028. The total value of the settlement could increase depending on the number of claimants who choose to participate.