Johnson & Johnson Strikes Back: Mesothelioma Expert Under Fire Again

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News Summary

Johnson & Johnson faces renewed scrutiny as it targets Dr. Jacqueline Moline, a leading expert on mesothelioma, amid a wave of asbestos claims related to its talc products.

Johnson & Johnson Strikes Back: Mesothelioma Expert Under Fire Again

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has once again found itself embroiled in controversy as it attempts to discredit Dr. Jacqueline Moline, a well-respected expert on mesothelioma. This move comes amidst a surge of asbestos-related claims tied to the company’s talc products, raising questions about the safety of these items that have been a staple in households for decades.

The Legal Showdown Continues

In a surprising turn of events, J&J has reopened a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey against Dr. Moline. The company aims to challenge her credibility after she supported claims indicating that its talc products may have contributed to the development of mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer primarily linked to asbestos exposure. J&J has accused Moline of falsifying key information in her research that connects talcum powder to asbestos complications.

Moline’s Groundbreaking Study

Dr. Moline previously published findings from a notable study in 2020, involving 33 individuals who contracted mesothelioma after having a history of talcum powder usage. This study raised alarms as it showed that participants had minimal alternate exposure to asbestos, thereby adding weight to lawsuits against J&J referencing her research. However, J&J has now taken umbrage, asserting that at least half of the participants might have encountered asbestos through other means, such as outdated insulation or even cigarette filters. This claim casts doubt on her conclusions, labeling her study as “false and misleading.”

A Battle of Scientific Integrity

The latest accusations follow a previous defamation lawsuit filed by J&J against Moline, which faced dismissal in July 2024 by U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner. The judge acknowledged that Moline’s research did not amount to fraud but rather constituted tentative scientific conclusions protected under free speech rights. Nevertheless, J&J persists in its stance, maintaining that its talcum powder products are devoid of cancer risk despite facing a tidal wave of lawsuits.

Tumultuous Times for Johnson & Johnson

As of 2025, J&J faces over 60,000 lawsuits claiming its iconic baby powder led to ovarian cancer and other serious conditions. Efforts to negotiate a sweeping $10 billion settlement, aimed at resolving these claims, recently hit a snag when a bankruptcy judge rejected the proposal, despite it being designed to compensate plaintiffs between $75,000 and $150,000. Alarmingly, this settlement fell short of addressing claims related to mesothelioma, leaving many concerned.

The Company’s Troubling History with Asbestos

Documents reveal that Johnson & Johnson had awareness as early as the 1950s about the potential contamination of its talc with asbestos. Laboratory tests carried out from 1971 to the early 2000s confirmed the presence of asbestos in their talc products, findings which the company allegedly chose to conceal from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The natural occurrence of talc and asbestos in close proximity during mining processes complicates the isolation of these minerals, making complete separation virtually impossible.

The Global Reaction and Future Legal Efforts

In 2024, J&J found itself in the crosshairs of legal institutions, reaching a tentative $700 million settlement with 43 state attorneys general over claims that it had failed to properly warn consumers regarding the associated risks. Meanwhile, legal actions against the company are also looming internationally, with lawsuits being prepared in the United Kingdom.

What Lies Ahead?

As the litigation saga unfolds, J&J continues to grapple with its mounting legal challenges while attempting to defend its reputation and products. The ongoing back-and-forth with experts like Dr. Moline illustrates the broader battle of narratives surrounding the potential dangers of talc-based products, leaving consumers in a precarious position. With substantial settlements proposed and a turbulent past before them, the question remains whether J&J can emerge unscathed from one of the most litigated controversies in its history.