Johnson & Johnson offers $5.5bn to settle tens of thousands of talc claims

Johnson & Johnson has offered $5.5 billion to resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging its talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer, the company said Monday.

Settlement offer aims to end long-running legal battle

The proposed deal covers around 76,000 claims, which the company said represent nearly all remaining talc claims. J&J described the offer as a way to put the matter behind the company and allow it to remain focused on its core mission.

Company stance and previous actions

J&J has repeatedly denied that its talc-based products caused cancer. The company stopped selling its talc-based baby powder in the United States and Canada in 2020. Its vice president of litigation said the claims “lack scientific merit.”

Background and related cases

J&J has previously settled most of the cases alleging that its talcum powder contained traces of asbestos. The firm also faces litigation abroad: the company is defending a 2025 lawsuit in the United Kingdom over similar claims.

Claims and compensation estimates

According to the law firm representing around 3,000 complainants in the U.K. case, the compensation claim “is estimated to be more than £1 billion” (listed in the source as $1.3 billion).

Next steps

The company framed the proposed settlement as a resolution that would allow it to move forward, while maintaining its denial of causation. The announcement follows years of litigation over allegations linking talc-based products to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.