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Johnson & Johnson says it will pay an estimated $5.5 billion to settle about 76,000 lawsuits alleging its baby powder and talc caused ovarian cancer.

Johnson & Johnson has set aside $5.5 billion to resolve tens of thousands of US lawsuits alleging that its talcum powder-based products caused ovarian cancer.

The deal covers about 76,000 ovarian cancer claims and requires acceptance by at least 95% of claimants to take effect

Johnson & Johnson has offered $5.5 billion to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits claiming its baby powder and other talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer, the company says.

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has offered to pay $5.5bn (£4.13bn) to resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits in the US alleging its talcum powder caused ovarian cancer. The company said the settlement covers around 76,000 claims, having already settled most cases alleging its talc contained asbestos and caused mesothelioma. J&J's vice president of litigation, Erik Haas, said the move was motivated by a desire to get closure – describing the claims themselves as "meritless".

The company said it reached an agreement with firms representing plaintiffs in the outstanding talc cases to pay up to $3 billion in claim payments in 2027, with no further payments due before 2028.