Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay US$5.5 billion (A$7.86 billion) to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging its talc-based baby powder and other talc products caused ovarian cancer, marking a major step in one of the company’s longest-running legal battles.
The proposed settlement covers around 69,000 cases consolidated in federal court in New Jersey and related state court claims, resolving 99.75 per cent of the remaining talc lawsuits, according to the company.
The agreement still requires approval from the judge overseeing the litigation.
Johnson & Johnson has continued to deny the allegations, maintaining that its talc products are safe and do not contain asbestos.
The company’s vice-president of litigation, Erik Haas, described the claims as “meritless” and said the settlement was intended to bring the years-long dispute to an end.
“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 settlement follows a significant legal win for the company last week, when a US federal judge cast doubt on whether individual plaintiffs could prove talc specifically caused their ovarian cancer.
Johnson & Johnson stopped selling its talc-based baby powder in the United States in 2020, replacing it with a cornstarch-based product.
The company has repeatedly attempted to resolve the litigation through bankruptcy proceedings, but those efforts failed.
The latest agreement applies only to existing claims and does not cover any future lawsuits.
Meanwhile, the Australian class action against Johnson & Johnson that started early this year is still ongoing, with thousands of women registered to take part.
Shine Lawyers head of class actions Craig Allsopp said that its own class action lawsuit has since made progress.
“The matter is scheduled to proceed to its first Case Management Conference on 26 August 2026,” Allsop told the ABC, adding that they are encouraged by the recent settlements made in the US.
“Shine Lawyers is encouraged by recent settlements reached in the United States involving Johnson & Johnson talc claims,” Allsop said.
“However, it is important to manage expectations regarding any potential compensation outcomes in Australia.
“While developments in the United States are positive and may provide useful indicators, any compensation outcomes will depend on the specific circumstances of the Australian proceedings.”
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