Johnson & Johnson proposes $5.5 billion resolution of ovarian cancer talc claims

Johnson & Johnson announced an agreement with the plaintiff firms leading the federal talc MDL and related state court litigation to resolve about 76,000 remaining ovarian cancer claims, conditioned on participation by at least 95% of those claims. It calls for per-claim payments under a $5.5 billion commitment, with no more than $3 billion paid in 2027 and nothing further due before 2028. J&J continues to deny that its talc causes cancer.

Why it matters. Whether participation reaches the 95% threshold will determine whether most claims in the largest pending MDL settle or continue in litigation.