J&J is disappointed with the verdict and plans to appeal it while terming the process that led to the decision as unfair from the start. J&J, which has been facing over 9,000 lawsuits related to its talcum powder, continues to maintain that its baby powder does not contain asbestos and is safe for usage. The pharma giant has managed to get several jury verdicts repealed, including two in Los Angeles and Missouri in the recent past.
Johnson & Johnson believes its products do not need to carry any warnings as there was no sufficient scientific evidence to prove any link between its talcum powder and cancer. Around 8 years ago, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) studied various samples of J&J’s talcum powder and failed to find any traces of asbestos in them. The petitioners’ side called the studies flawed and inaccurate.
J&J has faced several lawsuits, inquiries and recalls over many of its other products and it plans to tackle each of its talcum-powder trials on a case-by-case basis. The stock dropped 1% after-market.