Core Viewpoint - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, alleging that they knowingly concealed Tylenol's links to autism and ADHD, following unproven claims made by former President Donald Trump regarding the drug's safety during pregnancy [1][2]. Company Overview - Johnson & Johnson has been selling Tylenol for over 60 years, while Kenvue, which was spun off from Johnson & Johnson, has been selling the product since 2023 [2]. - Kenvue has consistently defended the safety of Tylenol, asserting that it is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women [3]. Legal Context - The lawsuit comes five weeks after Donald Trump's controversial statement linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, which lacks scientific backing [1]. - Johnson & Johnson has stated that Kenvue is responsible for all rights and liabilities associated with the sale of its over-the-counter products, including Tylenol [3].

Core Insights - A recent study published in the journal Expert Opinion on Drug Safety indicates that the use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), marketed as Depo-Provera by Pfizer, for over one year is linked to a 3.5-fold increased risk of developing intracranial meningioma compared to the combined birth control pill Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel [1][13] - The study analyzed data from 114 million unique individuals, highlighting significant safety concerns regarding long-term use of DMPA [1][13] - Pfizer is currently facing a multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 3140) in the USA, with over 550 lawsuits filed by women who developed meningiomas after using Depo-Provera for more than one year [2][13] Company Liability - The lawsuits allege that Pfizer was aware of the risks associated with DMPA and failed to provide adequate warnings or promote safer alternatives [3] - Despite acknowledging the risks and adding warning labels in Canada and Europe, Pfizer has not issued similar warnings in the United States, raising concerns about inconsistent global safety standards [3] - Law firms are exploring potential class actions in various jurisdictions, including Europe, Australia, South Africa, and Canada [4] Historical Context - Depo-Provera was originally developed in the 1950s as a cancer treatment and has been marketed as a contraceptive since 1969, despite prior evidence of its carcinogenic potential in animals [6] - The FDA has previously denied approval for the drug multiple times due to safety concerns before it was finally approved in the US in 1992 [6] - The FDA has also denied multiple Freedom of Information Act requests regarding communications with Pfizer about Depo-Provera, citing trade secrets [7] Market Impact - Approximately 24.5% of sexually active women in the US have used Depo-Provera in their lifetime, with 15% usage reported in the UK [5] - The study's findings may lead women to consider safer contraceptive options, potentially impacting the market for DMPA [5]