Johnson & Johnson announced a $5.5 billion settlement offer on July 27 to resolve tens of thousands of ovarian cancer lawsuits filed in the US alleging its talc-based baby powder caused cancer [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The settlement covers roughly 69,000 consolidated federal and state court cases in New Jersey, representing about 99.75% of the remaining US talc claims [2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Some reports suggest the figure could be higher at around 76,000 claims [7].

The proposed settlement requires acceptance from at least 95% of ovarian cancer claimants in the courts before it becomes final [1, 3, 5, 6]. Payments would begin in 2027 with an initial amount of up to $3 billion, with no further payouts scheduled before 2028 [1, 6].

Johnson & Johnson denies its talc products cause cancer, stating talc is safe, asbestos-free, and supported by scientific studies and regulatory reviews [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Erik Haas, J&J vice president of litigation, said the claims are "meritless" and the settlement lets the company put the issue behind and focus on developing medicines and devices that save lives [1, 2, 6].

The company stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the US in 2020 and worldwide by 2023, replacing it with cornstarch-based products [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Litigation had been paused for over three years after J&J tried resolving claims through a bankruptcy strategy but resumed in March 2025 [2, 3, 4].

The settlement excludes future lawsuits and those outside the US, such as ongoing UK litigation filed in October 2025. J&J’s spun-off consumer health unit, Kenvue, holds liability for baby powder outside North America [1, 2, 4, 5, 7].

Talc is a natural mineral used in consumer products but is often found near asbestos deposits, which are linked to cancer. The World Health Organization classified talc as "probably carcinogenic to humans" in 2024 [1, 5].

Plaintiffs’ attorneys welcomed the settlement as a resolution after more than a decade of legal battles [2, 3, 5]. The immediate next step is for claimants to vote on the settlement offer before it can be finalized.