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Johnson's Baby Powder (Ovarian)

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MDL 2738ConsumerOvarian cancer
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Total Cases

Overview

Subset of the broader Talc MDL 2738 specifically involving ovarian cancer claims from genital use of Johnson's Baby Powder. These claims represent the largest category within the talc litigation.

Causation

Plaintiffs allege regular genital application of Johnson Baby Powder allowed asbestos-contaminated talc particles to migrate through the reproductive tract to the ovaries, causing chronic inflammation and ovarian cancer. Epidemiological studies show a 20-30% increased risk of ovarian cancer with perineal talc use. Internal J&J documents revealed the company knew of asbestos contamination in its talc supply since the 1970s and commissioned studies it later suppressed. Multiple jury verdicts have validated the causation theory, including a USD 4.69B Missouri verdict in 2018.

Defendants

EntityRoleNote
Johnson & JohnsonManufacturerManufactured and marketed Baby Powder for genital hygiene use for decades
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.SubsidiaryConsumer products division — direct seller of Baby Powder
Imerys Talc AmericaTalc SupplierSupplied talc to J&J — filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019
LTL Management LLCBankruptcy EntityJ&J subsidiary created via Texas Two-Step to manage talc liabilities

Litigation Timeline

2013
First ovarian cancer verdict against J&J — South Dakota
Jul 2018
USD 4.69B Missouri verdict — 22 plaintiffs (later reduced to USD 2.12B)
May 2020
J&J discontinues talc-based Baby Powder in US and Canada
Oct 2021
J&J creates LTL Management — Texas Two-Step bankruptcy maneuver
2022-2024
Three successive bankruptcy filings — all challenged by plaintiffs
2025-2026
Bankruptcy plan vote pending; ovarian cancer subset remains largest claim category

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Key Facts

Defendants
Johnson & Johnson
Injuries
Ovarian cancer
Products
Johnson's Baby Powder
Status
active

Geographic Exposure

·D.N.J. (MDL 2738, Judge Wolfson)
·Missouri (major verdict jurisdiction — St. Louis)
·California (multiple trials)
·Nationwide — claims from all 50 states

Eligibility Criteria

  • Used Johnson Baby Powder in the genital area regularly
  • Diagnosed with ovarian cancer (epithelial ovarian cancer most common)
  • Used product for 2+ years before diagnosis
  • No genetic predisposition (BRCA mutation) strengthens claim but not required