Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
J&J Scores Back-To-Back Victories As Courts Overturn Massive Awards For Consumers In Talcum Cases
The New York Times: Courts Reverse Johnson’s Baby Powder Judgments For Nearly $500 Million
In back-to-back victories for Johnson & Johnson, the courts have reversed two judgments against the consumer products giant totaling nearly $500 million. The money had been awarded to women who said that they developed ovarian cancer after using the company’s talcum powder for decades. (Caron, 10/23)
CNN: Record Verdict Overturned In Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Trial
Judges in two separate cases have ruled in favor of pharma giant Johnson & Johnson, overturning large financial judgments awarded to plaintiffs who believe the company's Baby Powder and Shower to Shower powder products caused their ovarian cancer. One award was to a California woman for $417 million, and another was to an Alabama woman for $72 million. In the California case, which was decided by a jury in August, Eva Echeverria testified that she had been using talcum powder as a regular part of her feminine hygiene routine for more than 50 years, since she was 11. She developed ovarian cancer and stopped using the powder in 2016, after she read a news story about another woman who used it and had ovarian cancer. (Christensen, 10/23)
