Johnson & Johnson to pay $7.9 billion in landmark talc cancer settlement as Australian class action gathers pace
Johnson & Johnson plans a $7.9 billion settlement for talc-related cancer claims while an Australian class action advances.Summary
Johnson & Johnson has reached a proposed $5.5 billion (US) settlement to resolve approximately 76,000 lawsuits alleging its talc-based products caused ovarian cancer. While the company maintains that its products are safe and asbestos-free, it has chosen to settle to focus on its core medical mission. The settlement's finalization depends on approval from at least 95 percent of eligible claimants.
Simultaneously, legal action is intensifying in Australia. Shine Lawyers has formally advanced an Australian class action on behalf of women diagnosed with various gynecological cancers or mesothelioma before December 1, 2025. While the US settlement is seen as a positive indicator, legal experts warn that compensation in Australia will depend on the specific outcomes of local proceedings.
Johnson & Johnson transitioned from talc-based baby powder to cornstarch-based products globally in 2022. The litigation stems from allegations that talc products were contaminated with asbestos, a mineral often found in close proximity to talc deposits.
(Source：7NEWS Australia)