MDL Track
MDL 2738
D.N.J.
Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products liability
67,115 pending
Pharmaceutical · claims alleging talc products contributed to ovarian cancer or mesothelioma
Defendant
Johnson & Johnson
MDL / Track
MDL 2738
D.N.J.
Judge
Judge Michael A. Shipp
Plaintiffs
67,622 pending
Bellwether / Trial
Settlement Status
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Case overview
As of February 2, 2026, 67,622 plaintiffs are pending in the federal talcum powder MDL against Johnson & Johnson, alleging genital use of talc-based products caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. In December 2025, a California jury awarded two women $40 million after finding J&J's baby powder dangerous and failing to warn consumers. J&J proposed a $6.48 billion settlement earlier in 2024, but the deal remains contested.
Causation Theory
The IARC Monographs Volume 136 (June 2024) classified talc as "probably carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2A). A 2024 NIH Sister Study analysis in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found genital talc application associated with ovarian cancer, with stronger associations for frequent, long-term use. Asbestos-contaminated talc is established as causing mesothelioma and lung cancer; cosmetic talc's ovarian cancer mechanism is hypothesized as particle migration causing inflammation.
Case Management Orders
Litigation status
The revived MDL 2738 is proceeding in the District of New Jersey under Judge Michael A. Shipp following the collapse of J&J's third bankruptcy attempt. Special Master Freda Wolfson issued a January 20, 2026 Report and Recommendation finding plaintiffs' causation experts admissible under amended Rule 702, clearing the path for bellwether trials. The parties are briefing remaining expert issues including Dr. William Longo's PLM-chrysotile testing opinions.
MDL Track
MDL 2738
D.N.J.
Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products liability
67,115 pending
State Court Activity
Canada-wide class action certified March 4, 2026 in Ontario Superior Court of Justice
MDL 2738 Leadership
Plaintiff Leadership
Co-Lead Counsel
Liaison Counsel
Executive Committee Member
Steering Committee Member
Sindhu S. Daniel
Baron & Budd, P.C.
Jeff S. Gibson
Cohen & Malad, LLP
Victoria Maniatis
Sanders Phillips Grossman, LLC
Geographic exposure
MDL No. 2738 exceeds 63,000 active cases as of July 2025; perineal talc use prevalence historically reached 50% in U.S. control populations per IARC data; cosmetic talc use declined steadily since 1970s-1980s peak but latency periods extend decades
MDL No. 2738 (In re Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Prods. Mktg., Sales Practices & Prods. Litig., Civil Action No. 16-2738(FLW)) centralized in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey before Chief Judge Freda L. Wolfson; over 63,000 active cases as of July 2025; J&J headquarters venue
Thousands of filings in Los Angeles, San Diego, Alameda County; $18.8M verdict Alameda County (2023), $26.5M mesothelioma verdict San Jose (2023); strong consumer protection laws
St. Louis major battleground for ovarian cancer claims; historical venue for large talc verdicts
Cook County (Chicago) steady stream of mesothelioma and ovarian cancer claims; $45M verdict Chicago (2023); favorable asbestos litigation venue
Philadelphia mass tort program for talcum powder lawsuits; bellwether trials scheduled 2025
$260M verdict upheld 2024 for mesothelioma caused by talc exposure
$15M verdict awarded 2024 for asbestos-related mesothelioma
$8M verdict Boston (2025) for mesothelioma linked to talc use
Dynacare Baby Powder recall expanded October 2024 to 1,020 cases across 35 states including CA, TX, FL, NY, PA, OH, IL, NC, GA, VA, WA, CO, AZ, MA, MD, MN, MO, WI, IN, TN, AL, AR, IA, KY, LA, MS, MT, NE, NJ, NM, OK, OR, UT, VT, DE—FDA confirmed asbestos contamination from bulk talc material distributed January 2024 onward
Primary U.S. talc production: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama; secondary deposits in Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi; Montana leading producer 2019, followed by Texas, Vermont; Gouverneur District, New York noted for asbestiform talc occurrence
Key defendants
Johnson & Johnson
Role: Original Manufacturer
Core defendant in MDL No. 2738 (D.N.J.). Special Master granted motion to add successor entities as defendants in Jan. 2024 (Dkt. No. 26636).
LTL Management LLC
Role: Bankruptcy Vehicle
North Carolina LLC created Oct. 2021 to assume Old JJCI's talc liabilities. Subject of fraudulent transfer litigation (Bynum v. LLT Management LLC, No. 3:24-cv-07065-MAS-RLS).
Red River Talc LLC
Role: Successor Entity
Texas LLC created Aug. 2024 restructuring; holds talc claims and pursuing Chapter 11 settlement. Over 60,000 plaintiffs asserting claims as of Sept. 2024.
Kenvue Inc.
Role: Successor Entity
Added as defendant in Second Amended Master Complaint per Special Master Order No. 17 (Dkt. No. 26636). Successor liability exposure under multi-state choice-of-law analysis.
Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Role: Affiliate Defendant
Added as defendant in SAMC; same successor liability posture as Kenvue. Limited direct talc product involvement.
Imerys Talc America Inc.
Role: Talc Supplier
Named in First Amended Master Complaint. Mining/defense exposure distinct from consumer products defendants.
| Defendant | Role | Intelligence Note |
|---|---|---|
| Johnson & Johnson | Original Manufacturer | Core defendant in MDL No. 2738 (D.N.J.). Special Master granted motion to add successor entities as defendants in Jan. 2024 (Dkt. No. 26636). |
| LTL Management LLC | Bankruptcy Vehicle | North Carolina LLC created Oct. 2021 to assume Old JJCI's talc liabilities. Subject of fraudulent transfer litigation (Bynum v. LLT Management LLC, No. 3:24-cv-07065-MAS-RLS). |
| Red River Talc LLC | Successor Entity | Texas LLC created Aug. 2024 restructuring; holds talc claims and pursuing Chapter 11 settlement. Over 60,000 plaintiffs asserting claims as of Sept. 2024. |
| Kenvue Inc. | Successor Entity | Added as defendant in Second Amended Master Complaint per Special Master Order No. 17 (Dkt. No. 26636). Successor liability exposure under multi-state choice-of-law analysis. |
| Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. | Affiliate Defendant | Added as defendant in SAMC; same successor liability posture as Kenvue. Limited direct talc product involvement. |
| Imerys Talc America Inc. | Talc Supplier | Named in First Amended Master Complaint. Mining/defense exposure distinct from consumer products defendants. |
Timeline
First talc lawsuit filed
Deane Berg files first lawsuit against J&J alleging talcum products caused ovarian cancer. Case later resolved confidentially.
First major trial verdict
South Dakota jury finds J&J negligent for failure to warn of cancer risk, establishing foundation for future litigation.
$72 million verdict in Missouri
St. Louis jury orders J&J to pay $72 million in first major courtroom loss.
MDL No. 2738 established
Federal talc cases consolidated in In re Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2738, District of New Jersey, Judge Michael A. Shipp.
$4.69 billion verdict
St. Louis jury awards $4.69 billion to 22 women; later reduced to $2.12 billion on appeal. U.S. Supreme Court declines J&J's appeal.
FDA finds asbestos; recall issued
FDA discovers trace asbestos in J&J baby powder samples. Company recalls 33,000 bottles.
North America sales halted
J&J discontinues talc baby powder sales in U.S. and Canada amid mounting litigation costs.
LTL Management bankruptcy filing
J&J shifts talc liabilities to subsidiary LTL Management, which files Chapter 11 using Texas Two-Step structure.
Third Circuit rejects bankruptcy strategy
Appeals court rebuffs LTL bankruptcy, ruling J&J improperly offloaded litigation liabilities.
$6.5 billion settlement proposed
J&J renews proposal to settle remaining talc-related claims through LTL's second bankruptcy filing.
Bankruptcy judge rejects $8 billion plan
Federal bankruptcy judge in Houston denies J&J's settlement plan, finding flaws in bankruptcy strategy.
MDL reaches 67,622 cases
Federal MDL No. 2738 grows to 67,622 pending cases as of February 2, 2026, per court docket.
Statute of limitations
MDL 2738 (In re: Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation) before Judge Michael A. Shipp in D.N.J. does not toll state statutes of limitations. J&J's third bankruptcy dismissal in early 2024 removed any stay on filings. As of January 6, 2026, 67,580 cases pending in MDL per source. No global settlement tolling agreement currently in effect—intake must screen by individual state SOL. Sources indicate statutes typically range 1–4 years from diagnosis or discovery, with wrongful death often shorter than personal injury.
California
2 years
Rule: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1; discovery rule applies per sources
Discovery: Clock starts when plaintiff discovers or should have discovered injury and its cause; ovarian cancer diagnosis typically triggers
No pending revival statute identified in sources
Florida
4 years personal injury, 2 years wrongful death
Rule: Fla. Stat. § 95.11; discovery rule applies
Discovery: Clock begins when plaintiff knew or should have known of injury with reasonable diligence
Longest PI window among major states per source table; large plaintiff pool
New York
3 years personal injury, 2 years wrongful death
Rule: N.Y. C.P.L.R.; discovery rule applies
Discovery: Accrues upon discovery of injury and causal link
WD claims shorter than PI; significant state court filings per sources
Texas
2 years
Rule: Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code; discovery rule applies
Discovery: Accrues when plaintiff knows or should know of injury and cause
J&J bankruptcy maneuvers do not stay state SOL per sources
Pennsylvania
2 years
Rule: 42 Pa. Cons. Stat.; discovery rule applies
Discovery: Accrues when plaintiff knows or reasonably should know of injury and its cause
Active venue for talc filings per sources
New Jersey
2 years
Rule: N.J. Stat. Ann.; discovery rule applies
Discovery: Accrues upon discovery of injury and causal connection
MDL 2738 venued in D.N.J. but does not toll state SOL; state filings accelerating post-bankruptcy dismissal per January 2026 source
Illinois
2 years
Rule: 735 Ill. Comp. Stat.; discovery rule applies
Discovery: Accrues when plaintiff knows or reasonably should know of injury and its cause
Statute of repose may apply to older product use
Minnesota
4 years personal injury, 3 years wrongful death
Rule: Minn. Stat.; discovery rule applies
Discovery: Four-year filing period generally begins when illness is diagnosed per source
Longest PI SOL in Upper Midwest; WD shorter than PI per source
| State | SOL | Rule | Discovery Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2 years | Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1; discovery rule applies per sources | Clock starts when plaintiff discovers or should have discovered injury and its cause; ovarian cancer diagnosis typically triggers | No pending revival statute identified in sources |
| Florida | 4 years personal injury, 2 years wrongful death | Fla. Stat. § 95.11; discovery rule applies | Clock begins when plaintiff knew or should have known of injury with reasonable diligence | Longest PI window among major states per source table; large plaintiff pool |
| New York | 3 years personal injury, 2 years wrongful death | N.Y. C.P.L.R.; discovery rule applies | Accrues upon discovery of injury and causal link | WD claims shorter than PI; significant state court filings per sources |
| Texas | 2 years | Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code; discovery rule applies | Accrues when plaintiff knows or should know of injury and cause | J&J bankruptcy maneuvers do not stay state SOL per sources |
| Pennsylvania | 2 years | 42 Pa. Cons. Stat.; discovery rule applies | Accrues when plaintiff knows or reasonably should know of injury and its cause | Active venue for talc filings per sources |
| New Jersey | 2 years | N.J. Stat. Ann.; discovery rule applies | Accrues upon discovery of injury and causal connection | MDL 2738 venued in D.N.J. but does not toll state SOL; state filings accelerating post-bankruptcy dismissal per January 2026 source |
| Illinois | 2 years | 735 Ill. Comp. Stat.; discovery rule applies | Accrues when plaintiff knows or reasonably should know of injury and its cause | Statute of repose may apply to older product use |
| Minnesota | 4 years personal injury, 3 years wrongful death | Minn. Stat.; discovery rule applies | Four-year filing period generally begins when illness is diagnosed per source | Longest PI SOL in Upper Midwest; WD shorter than PI per source |
Live intelligence
AI litigation brief
Talc remains late-stage / active trials with 355 current signals in the accepted feed.
Overview
The revived MDL 2738 is proceeding in the District of New Jersey under Judge Michael A. Shipp following the collapse of J&J's third bankruptcy attempt. Special Master Freda Wolfson issued a January 20, 2026 Report and Recommendation finding plaintiffs' causation experts admissible under amended Rule 702, clearing the path for bellwether trials. The parties are briefing remaining expert issues including Dr. William Longo's PLM-chrysotile testing opinions.
Key developments
Trajectory
Court filings and press coverage are both active in MDL 2738, pointing to sustained litigation pressure rather than a one-off headline cycle. 6 live sources are contributing current context.
Editorial intelligence
MDL 2738 should stay on the lead docket watch because it is the primary consolidation vehicle for Talc.
Generated Apr 28, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC
355 events detected
Google News (20)
Phila. Judge Revokes Pro Hac Vice Admissions for Beasley Allen Team in J&J Talc Mass Tort - Law.com
Alabama law firm disqualified from representing plaintiffs in blockbuster lawsuit - AL.com
J&J settlement: New Jersey-based Johnson & Johnson to settle talc investigations connected to baby powder, other products - ABC7 San Francisco
The Lancet Retracts 1977 Talc Safety Paper Linked to J&J - asbestos.com
Johnson & Johnson Bankruptcy Foe Ousted in Talc Litigation - WSJ
U.S. court bars key law firm from J&J talc litigation - Reuters
U.S. court bars key law firm from J&J talc litigation - Reuters
Johnson & Johnson Bankruptcy Foe Ousted in Talc Litigation - WSJ
Johnson & Johnson Gets Beasley Allen Tossed From Talc Cases (3) - news.bloomberglaw.com
J&J caught between dropped cosmetic talc damages and retracted Lancet safety article - Personal Care Insights
J&J caught between dropped cosmetic talc damages and retracted Lancet safety article - Personal Care Insights
Johnson & Johnson Gets Beasley Allen Tossed From Talc Cases (3) - Bloomberg Law News
The Lancet retracts half-century-old unsigned commentary on talc for undisclosed industry ties - Retraction Watch
The Lancet retracts half-century-old unsigned commentary on talc for undisclosed industry ties - Retraction Watch
Scottish group sue Johnson & Johnson over talcum powder cancer claims - BBC
Scottish group sue Johnson & Johnson over talcum powder cancer claims - BBC
Judge throws out $950 million punitive damages award against J&J in talc trial - Reuters
Johnson & Johnson talc class action lawsuit ends in $250K Philadelphia verdict - Top Class Actions
Jury: J&J Liable for Talc Baby Powder-Linked Ovarian Cancer - asbestos.com
US judge tosses lawsuit accusing J&J of fraud over talc bankruptcy strategy - Reuters
Journal of thoracic oncology : official publication of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer • Boffetta P • PMID 41967769 • Journal Article.
Critical reviews in toxicology • Gualtieri AF • PMID 41919990 • Journal Article.
Critical reviews in toxicology • Wylie AG • PMID 41920094 • Journal Article.
Lancet (London, England) • Markowitz G • PMID 41903564 • Letter.
Lancet (London, England) • The Editors Of The Lancet • PMID 41903565 • Letter.
No recent FDA signals. Monitoring is active — this section updates automatically.
Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation
PACER docket entry from NJD: COMPLAINT against JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., JOHNSON & JOHNSON, JOHNSON & JOHNSON CONSUMER INC., JOHNSON & JOHNSON HOLDCO (NA) INC., KENVUE, INC., RED RIVER TALC LLC ( Filing and Admin fee $ 405 receipt number ANJDC-17347969) with JURY DEMAND, filed by MARY ALICE TORRES-MACDONALD. (Attachments:
Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation
PACER docket entry from NJD: COMPLAINT against J&J HOLDCO (NA) INC., JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICA INC. K/N/A JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., JOHNSON & JOHNSON, KENVUE INC, RED RIVER TALC ( Filing and Admin fee $ 405 receipt number ANJDC-17347160) with JURY DEMAND, filed by TRACI SZELL, BRAD SZELL. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(S
Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation
PACER docket entry from NJD: COMPLAINT against JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., JOHNSON & JOHNSON, JOHNSON & JOHNSON HOLDCO (NA), INC., KENVUE, INC., RED RIVER TALC LLC. ( Filing and Admin fee $ 405 receipt number ANJDC-17346771) with JURY DEMAND, filed by MARY JOHNSON. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet)(LOPAL
Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation
PACER docket entry from NJD: COMPLAINT against JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., JOHNSON & JOHNSON, JOHNSON & JOHNSON HOLDCO (NA), INC., KENVUE INC., RED RIVER TALC LLC ( Filing and Admin fee $ 405 receipt number ANJDC-17346646) with JURY DEMAND, filed by DORCAS BRAZILE. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(LYONS, PATRICK) (Entere
Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation
PACER docket entry from NJD: COMPLAINT against JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., JOHNSON & JOHNSON, JOHNSON & JOHNSON HOLDCO (NA) INC., KENVUE INC., RED RIVER TALC LLC. ( Filing and Admin fee $ 405 receipt number ANJDC-17346469) with JURY DEMAND, filed by ROSA ABT, THOMAS ABT. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet)
Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation
PACER docket entry from NJD: COMPLAINT against JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., JOHNSON & JOHNSON, JOHNSON & JOHNSON CONSUMER, INC., JOHNSON & JOHNSON HOLDCO (NA), INC., KENVUE, INC., RED RIVER TALC, LLC ( Filing and Admin fee $ 405 receipt number ANJDC-17346378) with JURY DEMAND, filed by TAMASINE KOLOSKY. (Attachments: # 1 Civi
Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation
PACER docket entry from NJD: COMPLAINT against JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICALS INC, JOHNSON & JOHNSON, JOHNSON & JOHNSON HOLDCO (NA) INC, KENVUE INC, RED RIVER TALC LLC ( Filing and Admin fee $ 405 receipt number ANJDC-17345881) with JURY DEMAND, filed by LEILA GARCIA. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet Civil cover sheet)(HERNANDEZ, J
Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation
PACER docket entry from NJD: COMPLAINT against JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., JOHNSON & JOHNSON, JOHNSON & JOHNSON CONSUMER, INC., JOHNSON & JOHNSON HOLDCO (NA), INC., KENVUE, INC., RED RIVER TALC, LLC ( Filing and Admin fee $ 405 receipt number ANJDC-17345311) with JURY DEMAND, filed by GAY WILLIAMS. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Co
Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation
PACER docket entry from NJD: COMPLAINT against JOHNSON & JOHNSON, JOHNSON & JOHNSON HOLDCO (NA) INC, KENVUE INC, RED RIVER TALC LLC ( Filing and Admin fee $ 405 receipt number ANJDC-17345420) with JURY DEMAND, filed by PAULA FLINT, DANIEL FLINT. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet Civil cover sheet)(HERNANDEZ, JOELYS) (Entered:
Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation
PACER docket entry from NJD: COMPLAINT against JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICALS INC., JOHNSON & JOHNSON, JOHNSON & JOHNSON HOLDCO (NA) INC., KENVUE INC., RED RIVER TALC LLC. ( Filing and Admin fee $ 405 receipt number ANJDC-17344629) with JURY DEMAND, filed by JO MO. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet)(LOPALO, CHRISTO
Workbench
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LexGenius Ranking
88Score
Court, news, and regulatory activity are elevated
Monitoring
Live
monitoring
Last: Apr 28, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC
Next: 46:33
Source Monitoring
PACER
PACER
Google News
FDA
PubMed
Event feed
355
events detected
AI Brief
Talc remains late-stage / active trials with 355 current signals in the accepted feed.
Overview
The revived MDL 2738 is proceeding in the District of New Jersey under Judge Michael A. Shipp following the collapse of J&J's third bankruptcy attempt. Special Master Freda Wolfson issued a January 20, 2026 Report and Recommendation finding plaintiffs' causation experts admissible under amended Rule 702, clearing the path for bellwether trials. The parties are briefing remaining expert issues including Dr. William Longo's PLM-chrysotile testing opinions.
Key developments
PACER court filing on Apr 24: Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation. ‖ Law.com news on Apr 20: Phila. Judge Revokes Pro Hac Vice Admissions for Beasley Allen Team in J&J Talc Mass Tort - Law.com. ‖ PubMed research on Apr 10: Occupational exposure to asbestos-free talc and risk of respiratory cancers, including larynx, lung and mesothelioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis..
Generated Apr 28, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC
Tracked MDLs
MDL 2738
D.N.J.
Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products liability