Philadelphia Jury Rejects “Unfounded” Talc Cancer Claims

The first case in Philadelphia over alleged health risks associated with Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder came to an end Friday as a state jury cleared the company of claims alleging it contributed to a woman’s ovarian cancer diagnosis, according to a report in Law 360.

“After careful consideration of the science and facts presented at trial, another jury unanimously agreed that [J&J’s] baby powder is safe and does not cause cancer,” J&J said in a statement about the verdict. “Despite the lack of any scientific evidence to support their claims, the plaintiff trial bar continues to push forward with its misinformation campaign to drive baseless and inflammatory headlines in the hopes they can force a resolution of these cases. The claims by these lawyers are unfounded, and it is clear the only interest they have is their own financial gain.”

The jurors rejected arguments from the plaintiff and her husband that J&J’s talcum powder had been a contributing factor in a case of ovarian cancer she was diagnosed with in 2011. The jury returned its verdict shortly before noon on Friday after spending about two full days deliberating nearly five weeks’ worth of evidence.