First Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Trial Scheduled in Federal MDL

The first trial in the massive talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson is officially moving forward. A new court order sets the stage for the first bellwether trial in the Johnson & Johnson talc multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2738), which includes over 60,000 lawsuits filed by women alleging that J&J’s talc-based products caused ovarian cancer.

On August 4, 2025, U.S. Magistrate Judge Rukhsanah L. Singh issued an order scheduling a Final Pretrial Conference for November 5, 2025, in the case of Carter Judkins v. Johnson & Johnson, et al. (Case No. 19-cv-12430) . The conference will be held at the Clarkson S. Fisher Courthouse in Trenton, New Jersey, signaling the start of what could be a landmark trial.

This will be the first ovarian cancer talc case to go to trial in the federal MDL, which consolidates tens of thousands of claims asserting that long-term use of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products led to cancer diagnoses. Plaintiffs argue that the talc was contaminated with asbestos or other harmful substances that contributed to ovarian cancer development.

Veteran trial lawyer Chris Placitella has been appointed as Liaison Counsel for all plaintiffs in the talcum powder litigation. Known for his leadership in mass tort and product liability cases, Placitella is playing a key role in coordinating legal strategy across the MDL.

Key deadlines ahead of the November pretrial conference include:

• Identification of lead trial counsel by October 1, 2025

• Submission of a joint proposed Final Pretrial Order one week before the conference

The court also directed all parties to stipulate to as many facts as possible, finalize exhibits, and resolve any outstanding discovery disputes ahead of trial .

Why This Trial Matters

This first talc trial in federal court is considered a bellwether case, meaning its outcome could influence settlement negotiations, jury expectations, and the legal strategy for thousands of similar lawsuits nationwide.

Attorneys, investors, and affected families will be watching closely as this high-stakes trial unfolds in late 2025. The results could reshape the future of talcum powder cancer litigation in the United States.