Judge allows testimony of talc’s link to cancer

Core Viewpoint - A US federal judge has allowed expert testimony linking Johnson & Johnson's talc products to ovarian cancer, advancing the litigation involving over 67,500 lawsuits towards a potential trial later this year [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings - The litigation against Johnson & Johnson (J&J) includes more than 67,500 consolidated lawsuits in federal court in New Jersey, with the first trial potentially occurring later this year [2]. - The ruling by Judge Michael Shipp allows for expert testimony that could establish a link between J&J's talc products and alleged health risks, which is crucial for product liability cases [2][4]. - J&J has faced mixed outcomes in state courts, with some verdicts reaching as high as $4.69 billion awarded to 22 women claiming their ovarian cancer was caused by baby powder [9]. Group 2: Company Actions and Responses - J&J ceased the sale of talc-based baby powder in the US in 2020, transitioning to a cornstarch-based product [4][5]. - The company has consistently maintained that its products are safe and do not cause cancer, despite ongoing litigation and expert testimonies suggesting otherwise [5][6]. - J&J attempted to resolve the litigation through bankruptcy, a strategy that has been rejected multiple times by federal courts [7][8]. Group 3: Scientific Evidence and Expert Testimony - The evaluation of expert testimony is a significant aspect of the litigation, with retired Judge Freda Wolfson previously allowing plaintiffs' experts to testify about potential contamination of talc with asbestos and heavy metals [6][5]. - Recent changes to federal rules regarding expert testimony and new scientific evidence prompted Judge Shipp to re-evaluate the admissibility of expert testimony in the ongoing cases [7]. - J&J has also engaged in legal actions against scientists whose research supports the plaintiffs, alleging falsification of results [8].