Court Expert Backs Women in J&J Talc Cancer Lawsuits, Paving Way for Federal Trial

A major step forward for thousands of women suing Johnson & Johnson over claims that its talc-based baby powder and other talc products caused ovarian cancer came on Tuesday, as a court-appointed special master recommended that plaintiffs be allowed to present expert testimony supporting the alleged link. The recommendation, issued by retired U.S. District Judge Freda Wolfson, could move the long-running litigation—covering more than 67,500 lawsuits in federal court in New Jersey—towards the first federal trial, potentially later this year.

Wolfson, in a detailed 658-page report, said plaintiffs’ experts used reliable methodologies to conclude that epidemiological studies, including those conducted after 2020, show a statistically significant association between genital talc use and ovarian cancer. However, she also cleared the way for Johnson & Johnson’s experts to testify against the claims, stressing her role was not to decide which side is correct but whether the scientific methods meet federal legal standards. She agreed with the company on some points, excluding expert theories linking heavy metals and fragrance chemicals in the products to cancer, and rejecting a theory that talc can migrate to the ovaries if inhaled.

Johnson & Johnson said the recommendation was flawed and will appeal to U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp, who oversees the litigation and will make the final decision after hearing objections. Plaintiffs’ lawyer Chris Tisi welcomed the report, saying it confirms the case is grounded in strong evidence and brings families closer to their day in court. The company, which maintains its products are safe, stopped selling talc-based baby powder in the U.S. in 2020 and shifted to a cornstarch version, while continuing to face legal battles that include both ovarian cancer and mesothelioma claims.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright