New York: Global healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has proposed a US$5.5 billion (approximately ₹52,000 crore) settlement to resolve the remaining lawsuits alleging that its talc-based products, including its iconic baby powder, caused ovarian cancer. The company said the settlement will become effective only if at least 95% of the remaining claimants agree to its terms. If the required level of support is not achieved, J&J may have to continue defending the cases in court.
The company has been facing thousands of lawsuits related to its talc products for nearly a decade. Plaintiffs have alleged that long-term use of talc-based products increased the risk of ovarian cancer. Johnson & Johnson has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that its talc products are safe and that extensive scientific research has not established a conclusive link between its products and ovarian cancer.
Under the proposed settlement, if the required 95% approval is secured, the company plans to pay up to US$3 billion (around ₹28,000 crore) as the first instalment in 2027. The remaining amount would be paid in phases beginning in 2028. According to the company, the settlement is intended to bring a comprehensive resolution to years of litigation and provide certainty to all parties involved.
This is not the first attempt by Johnson & Johnson to resolve the long-running legal dispute. In 2025, its subsidiary Red River Talc proposed a US$9 billion (approximately ₹86,000 crore) settlement through a bankruptcy-related process. However, a US bankruptcy court declined to approve that proposal, prompting the company to explore alternative legal avenues and present a revised settlement plan.
J&J said the latest proposal is designed to provide a fair and practical resolution to the outstanding claims. However, the agreement is contingent on obtaining the consent of 95% of eligible claimants. If that threshold is not met, the company will continue to defend individual lawsuits in courts, potentially extending the legal battle for several more years.
Erik Haas, Vice President of Worldwide Litigation at Johnson & Johnson, said the proposed settlement represents an important step toward ending the prolonged dispute. He stated that resolving the litigation would allow the company to devote more time and resources to developing life-saving medicines, medical devices and healthcare innovations instead of continuing lengthy legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, many claimants and their legal representatives maintain that affected individuals deserve fair compensation and justice. Legal experts note that large-scale mass settlements can provide an efficient resolution to long-running product liability litigation, but their success depends on whether the proposed terms are acceptable to a substantial majority of claimants.
The US$5.5 billion proposal is currently under review. In the coming months, it will become clear whether the required 95% of claimants agree to the settlement. If the proposal receives sufficient support, it could mark a significant milestone in resolving one of the world’s most closely watched product liability disputes. If not, the litigation is expected to continue through the courts, with both sides pursuing further legal remedies.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
