Cancer monitoring system sought for former J&J talc users

Lawsuit says firm should be on the hook for potentially billions of dollars in medical fees

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Johnson & Johnson (J&J) should be on the hook for potentially billions of dollars in medical fees for women who used its talc-based baby powders and want to monitor their future health over cancer fears, according to a lawsuit.

Lawyers representing former talc users asked a US federal judge on June 17 to set up a “medical-monitoring class” to cover the expenses of doctor’s visits and tests for women worried about gynaecological and ovarian cancers.

The suit is the latest salvo in the ongoing legal battle between J&J and former talc users, who allege the world’s largest maker of healthcare products hid the cancer risks of its iconic baby powder for almost half a century. J&J is seeking the backing of thousands of people who have sued over the product for an US$11 billion (S$14.9 billion) settlement of the claims.