Healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has proposed paying up to $5.5 billion to settle thousands of lawsuits alleging that its talc-based baby powder and related products caused ovarian cancer.

The proposal is part of the company's latest effort to resolve one of the largest and longest-running product liability disputes in the United States. Despite the settlement proposal, Johnson & Johnson continues to deny that its talc products cause cancer.

The company maintains that decades of scientific research support the safety of its talc-based products. However, amid growing legal pressure, it has already replaced the formula used in its iconic baby powder.

Eric Haas, Vice President of Worldwide Litigation at Johnson & Johnson, described the allegations as "without merit," stating that the company is seeking a comprehensive resolution to end years of costly litigation.

Under the proposal, Johnson & Johnson plans to make payments of up to $3 billion over the next year, with the broader settlement expected to cover claims through 2028 without requiring additional compensation beyond the agreed amount.

If approved, the settlement would compensate thousands of claimants while reducing legal uncertainty for the company and allowing it to focus on its core healthcare and pharmaceutical businesses.