J&J Wins Case Over Talc-Cancer Claims

• The jury found 10-2 that J&J was not negligent when making and selling talc-based cosmetic powder, with J&J maintaining its products are safe and do not contain asbestos or cause cancer
• J&J faces lawsuits from over 67,000 plaintiffs alleging talc products cause ovarian cancer, with a mixed trial record including some wins and significant jury verdicts against the company
• The company stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the U.S. in 2020, switching to cornstarch, and has settled most cases alleging its products caused mesothelioma

J&J Wins Talc-Cancer Lawsuit in Los Angeles

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) secured a legal victory on June 5 when a Los Angeles jury ruled in its favor in a lawsuit alleging its talc products caused ovarian cancer. The case involved families of three deceased women—Mary Owens, Bonnie Tienken, and Geneva Williams—who died of ovarian cancer after using J&J's talc-based products.

Key Trial Details:

• Ten of twelve jurors found J&J not negligent in manufacturing and selling talc-based cosmetic powder
• J&J Vice President of Litigation Erik Haas dismissed the case as based on "junk science"
• The trial was held in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles

Broader Legal Context:

J&J faces lawsuits from over 67,000 plaintiffs alleging its baby powder and talc products cause ovarian cancer. The company has a mixed trial record, winning some cases while facing significant damages in others. J&J also won a jury trial in Oklahoma the previous week. Trials resumed after J&J's failed attempt to resolve the litigation through bankruptcy court.

Company Position and Actions:

J&J maintains its products are safe, asbestos-free, and do not cause cancer. The company discontinued talc-based baby powder sales in the U.S. in 2020, replacing it with a cornstarch-based alternative.

Settlement Activity:

J&J has settled most cases alleging its products caused mesothelioma, a rare asbestos-related cancer. Nearly all remaining cases allege ovarian cancer links.

Market Implications:

The consecutive courtroom wins may strengthen J&J's negotiating position in ongoing litigation, though the company still faces substantial exposure from tens of thousands of pending claims.