Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is willing to pay $5.5bn (£4.14bn) to settle tens of thousands of US lawsuits after claims their baby powder allegedly caused ovarian cancer.
It was claimed their talc products, including baby products, contained asbestos and were linked to cases of ovarian cancer.
The medical company has denied all allegations.
On Monday, J&J announced it will offer to settle the 76,000 claims against the company, providing 95% of law firms representing claimants accept the proposal, in an attempt to end the 15-year litigation.
The court previously ordered plaintiffs to show specific evidence why their claims could not be dismissed.
Erik Haas, Worldwide Vice President of Litigation at Johnson & Johnson said: “These claims lack scientific merit and were sustained only by unreliable expert opinions that could not survive rigorous judicial review.”
He added, “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.”
The first payment of no more than $3bn (£2.26bn) will be made next year, then there will be no additional payments until 2028.
Talc is a mineral made from magnesium, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen. It is ground into a soapy fine dust and is often used to make makeup less oily and to prevent nappy rash on babies.
KP Law said they believe J&J “knew as early as the 1970s that asbestos in its talc products was dangerous,” but continued to sell products in the UK until 2022.
Tom Longstaff, Head of Product Liability at KP Law said: “All of the claimants, predominantly women but also some men, who have sustained cancer after using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products have experienced a life-changing illness.
“In some cases, they have died from their cancer, leaving their families devastated. All of these innocent individuals deserve justice”.
J&J discontinued their talc-based Johnson’s baby powder globally in 2023.
Global consumer health company Kenvue, known for brands like Calpol, Listerine and Aveeno, is liable for Johnson’s baby powder outside North America, after the company separated in 2023.
J&J insist their talc is safe, does not contain asbestos and does not cause cancer.
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