Judicial Win for Women: J&J's Talc Trials to Proceed

A federal judge ruled allowing expert testimony linking Johnson & Johnson's talc products to cancer, advancing lawsuits from over 67,500 plaintiffs. Despite J&J's claims of product safety, litigation over the alleged contamination continues, with significant implications for product liability trials.

In a significant legal development, a federal judge has allowed expert testimony linking Johnson & Johnson's talc products to ovarian cancer. This ruling advances long-standing litigation involving over 67,500 lawsuits consolidated in New Jersey federal court, paving the way for potential trials later this year.

U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp appointed retired Judge Freda Wolfson to assess the admissibility of expert evidence, given recent changes in federal rules that govern methodology scrutiny. J&J maintains that their talc products are safe, yet halted U.S. sales in 2020, shifting to cornstarch alternatives.

While J&J sought litigation resolution through bankruptcy, courts repeatedly denied these attempts. The company faces a mixed record in state verdicts and substantial claims over mesothelioma, with some recent verdicts exceeding $1.5 billion. Appeals and ongoing trials highlight significant stakes in the ongoing legal proceedings.

(With inputs from agencies.)