Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson
	File:Johnson & Johnson logo.svg Johnson & Johnson logo
Company type	Public
Industry	Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices
Founded	1886; 140 years ago
Founder	Robert Wood Johnson, James Wood Johnson, Edward Mead Johnson
Headquarters	New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Joaquin Duato (Chairman and CEO)
Products	Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology products, medical devices
Number of employees	138000 (2024)
Website	www.jnj.com

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is a global American corporation specializing in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices, with its headquarters located in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The company’s shares are publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange and form part of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Positioned at number 42 on the 2024 Fortune 500 list and ranked 45th on the Forbes Global 2000, J&J employs around 138,000 individuals worldwide under the direction of chairman and CEO Joaquin Duato.

The enterprise was established in 1886 by brothers Robert Wood Johnson, James Wood Johnson, and Edward Mead Johnson, initially focusing on sterile surgical dressings. In 2023, it separated its consumer healthcare division into a separate publicly traded entity named Kenvue, concentrating its efforts solely on prescription pharmaceuticals and medical technology devices.

As one of the most valuable corporations globally, Johnson & Johnson boasts a rare AAA credit rating, reflecting its robust financial health and significant market presence.

1873–1885: Preceding Johnson & Johnson

At age sixteen, Robert Wood Johnson began his career as a pharmaceutical apprentice in Poughkeepsie, New York. In 1873, he co-established Seabury & Johnson alongside George J. Seabury, a New York firm recognized for producing medicated plasters. Representing the company at the 1876 World's Fair, Johnson gained insights into antiseptic surgical techniques from Joseph Lister. He ended his partnership with Seabury in 1885.

1886: Establishment of Johnson & Johnson

In 1886, Robert Wood Johnson united with his brothers James Wood Johnson and Edward Mead Johnson to found Johnson & Johnson, starting with a workforce of fourteen employees. They introduced ready-to-use sterile surgical dressings and opened their inaugural manufacturing facility in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Early product lines included sterile surgical supplies, household items, and medical manuals, initially marketed under James Wood Johnson’s signature logo. Robert Wood Johnson took on the role of the company’s first president.

1887–1942: Formative Years

The company was a pioneer in sterile surgical products such as sutures, absorbent cotton, and gauze. In 1888, it published "Modern Methods of Antiseptic Wound Treatment," promoting sterile surgery practices to healthcare professionals worldwide. That same year saw the launch of the first commercial first aid kit designed specifically for railroad workers; it contained antiseptic materials alongside usage instructions. By 1901, the company had released the Handbook of First Aid.

Frederick Barnett Kilmer joined as the inaugural scientific director in 1889, overseeing research initiatives and developing sterilization methods until his retirement in 1934. By 1894, the workforce had grown to over 400 employees spread across fourteen buildings, coinciding with the introduction of Johnson's Baby Powder—marking its entry into infant care products.

Also in 1894, the company developed Dr. Simpson's Maternity Packet—the world’s first maternity kit—to support home births with sterile equipment. Subsequently, it marketed individual products such as "Lister's Towels," recognized as the first mass-produced sanitary napkins. Kilmer authored "Hygiene in Maternity," an educational resource for mothers. The baby care range expanded further in 1904 with the addition of "Lister's Sanitary Diapers."

During the Spanish–American War, Johnson & Johnson supplied approximately 300,000 compressed surgical dressings to military personnel and innovated trauma stretchers. The company also played a role in disaster relief after major events like the 1900 Galveston hurricane and the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

In response to a smallpox outbreak in 1901, all employees received vaccinations. By 1910, staff numbers exceeded 1,200 with women representing half of the workforce and leading a quarter of departments. Following Robert Wood Johnson’s death in 1910, his brother James Wood Johnson assumed the presidency.

World War I significantly increased demand for sterile surgical products. To meet this need, J&J acquired Chicopee Manufacturing Company in Massachusetts in 1916 to boost production capacity. The company responded to the 1918 influenza pandemic by creating and distributing epidemic masks. Its international footprint expanded with a plant near Montreal established in 1919 and a manufacturing site opened in Slough, England by 1924.

In 1920, Earle Dickson invented the first commercial adhesive bandage by combining gauze with adhesive tape; Band-Aid products were introduced to market in 1921. That year also saw the debut of Johnson’s Baby Soap and construction of a textile mill along with a company town near Gainesville, Georgia. The company broadened its global reach during the 1930s into Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa. In 1931, it launched Ortho-Gynol—the first prescription contraceptive gel.

Robert Wood Johnson II took office as president in 1932 during the Great Depression. Despite economic challenges, employment levels were maintained and wages increased by five percent. Robert Wood Johnson II advocated for federal labor reforms emphasizing corporate social responsibility—a philosophy that became central to J&J’s credo. A new facility was also opened in Chicago during this era.

Johnson’s Baby Oil was added to its infant care lineup in 1935. Throughout World War II, although many employees were drafted into service, their positions were guaranteed upon return. Robert Wood Johnson II led the Smaller War Plants Corporation to secure government contracts for factories employing fewer than five hundred workers.

This foundational period highlights strategic leadership focused on innovation, diversification of product lines, expansion into international markets, commitment to employee welfare, and dedication to social responsibility—elements that have been fundamental to Johnson & Johnson's sustained influence and growth within the industry.

1943: Credo and Public Offering

In 1943, as Johnson & Johnson readied itself for its initial public offering (IPO), founder Robert Wood Johnson crafted "Our Credo," a foundational document intended to steer the company’s strategic direction. The firm officially went public in 1944.

During the same period, Vesta Stoudt suggested a waterproof tape for ammunition boxes amid World War II, which prompted Revolite—a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary—to develop a cloth-based adhesive tape under a presidential directive.

1944–1999: Growth through Acquisitions and Global Expansion

Johnson & Johnson introduced Johnson's Baby Lotion and founded Ethicon Suture Laboratories in 1944. Its suture business expanded into the United Kingdom with the 1947 acquisition of G. F. Merson Ltd., operating under the Ethicon brand.

That year, Chairman Robert Wood Johnson authored Or Forfeit Freedom, promoting principles of sustainable corporate governance. In 1955, Ethicon advanced ophthalmic surgery by creating micro-point reverse-cutting needles.

The company extended its presence in Asia by establishing operations in the Philippines (1956) and India (1957). The acquisition of McNeil Laboratories in 1959 led to the launch of over-the-counter Tylenol in 1960. That same year, Cilag Chemie became part of the group under the name Cilag.

In 1961, Janssen Pharmaceuticals—founded by Paul Janssen, inventor of fentanyl—joined Johnson & Johnson through acquisition. Philip B. Hofmann became CEO in 1963, marking the first time a non-family member held the role; he also played a key role in founding the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The FDA approved the Ortho-Novum contraceptive pill that year as well.

Additional acquisitions included Codman & Shurtleff in 1965, specialists in neurovascular devices, and development of the RhoGAM vaccine in 1968 to prevent Rh disease in newborns. Ortho Diagnostics introduced the Sickledex anemia test in 1969; that year also saw FDA approval for Johnson & Johnson’s arterial graft product. In 1971, the company launched Hapindex, a rapid diagnostic test for hepatitis B.

During the 1970s, architect Henry N. Cobb was commissioned to design Johnson & Johnson’s new headquarters, known as Johnson & Johnson Plaza.

Leadership shifted to Richard Sellars as chairman and CEO in 1973, followed by James E. Burke in 1976. Burke’s response to the 1982 Tylenol tampering crisis established new industry benchmarks for product safety through implementing a triple tamper-evident seal and conducting an extensive recall.

Global expansion continued with subsidiaries opening in China and Egypt by 1985. The company debuted Acuvue disposable contact lenses and the One Touch glucose monitoring system in 1987. Ralph S. Larsen assumed CEO duties in 1989.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Johnson & Johnson entered markets such as Hungary, Russia, the Czech Republic, and Poland by 1991. The consumer health segment grew throughout the 1990s via acquisitions including Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, Motrin, and Aveeno.

Further international growth involved establishing an Israeli subsidiary in 1996 and acquiring Biosense Webster (1997) and DePuy Synthes (1998), bolstering its Medtech division.

2000–Present

William C. Weldon took on chairman and CEO roles in 2002. Ethicon introduced Vicryl Plus Antibacterial Sutures in 2003 to combat post-operative infections. In 2006, Johnson & Johnson expanded its consumer health portfolio by acquiring Pfizer’s consumer products business, incorporating brands such as Listerine, Bengay, and Neosporin. That same year saw Janssen Pharmaceuticals launch Prezista, aimed at patients with drug-resistant HIV.

In 2008, J&J acquired Mentor Corporation for $1 billion, integrating it within Ethicon. Subsequent purchases included HealthMedia (later renamed Health & Wellness Solutions), Human Performance Institute, and Crucell for $2.4 billion in 2010—strengthening its vaccine division significantly.

Alex Gorsky was appointed CEO in 2012. Biosense Webster expanded its cardiac care portfolio with the acquisition of Coherex Medical in 2015. In 2017, J&J purchased Abbott Medical Optics for $4.325 billion and incorporated it into Johnson & Johnson Vision Care. The $30 billion acquisition of Actelion represented J&J’s largest transaction to date; this was followed by spinning off Actelion’s research and development unit. Additional acquisitions that year included TearScience, contact lens startup Sightbox, and Emerging Implant Technologies GmbH—enhancing spinal implant offerings.

In 2019, Janssen received FDA approval for esketamine (marketed as Spravato) targeting severe depression. That year also saw J&J introduce photochromic contact lenses featuring adaptive light technology. In 2020, Johnson & Johnson acquired Momenta Pharmaceuticals for $6.5 billion.

Joaquin Duato assumed CEO responsibilities in January 2022. By December that year, J&J completed a $16.6 billion acquisition of cardiovascular device manufacturer Abiomed Inc.

Starting November 2021, Johnson & Johnson began separating its consumer healthcare division into an independent company named Kenvue (established in 2022). This new entity includes well-known brands such as Neutrogena, Aveeno, Tylenol, and Listerine. Kenvue went public through an IPO in May 2023; initially J&J retained approximately 91% ownership but reduced this stake to about 9.5% following a July share exchange offer. By early 2024, J&J divested its remaining shares in Kenvue.

Johnson & Johnson holds patents on the tuberculosis medication bedaquiline, which initially restricted generic availability in countries heavily affected by TB until licenses were granted after negotiations with Stop TB Partnership mid-2023.

In early 2024, J&J announced significant acquisitions: Ambrx Biopharma for $2 billion (January), Shockwave Medical for $13.1 billion (April), and Proteologix for $850 million (May). Additionally, it launched Polyphonic—a digital surgical platform designed to enhance planning and telepresence capabilities during laparoscopic procedures.

By early 2025, Johnson & Johnson agreed to purchase neurological drug developer Intra-Cellular Therapies for $14.6 billion.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Johnson & Johnson dedicated more than $1 billion towards the creation of a non-profit COVID-19 vaccine, collaborating closely with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Paul Stoffels highlighted the firm's pledge to pursue a rapid, cooperative, and non-commercial strategy to expedite vaccine distribution.

Janssen Vaccines, a division of Crucell, teamed up with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) to develop the vaccine candidate by leveraging technology originally used for its Ebola vaccine. This candidate advanced into phase 1 human clinical trials by September 2020.

The demand for Tylenol increased significantly—rising to two to four times its usual volume in March 2020—leading Johnson & Johnson to boost worldwide manufacturing efforts, including operating its Puerto Rico facility continuously around the clock.

To help mitigate ventilator shortages, Ethicon partnered with Prisma Health to design and distribute the VESper Ventilator Expansion Splitter through 3D printing technology, allowing a single ventilator to support two patients simultaneously.

Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Development

In June 2020, Johnson & Johnson joined forces with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to announce plans for clinical trials of their COVID-19 vaccine, aiming for an expedited Phase 1/2a commencement in July 2020.

On August 5, 2020, the U.S. government committed over $1 billion to Johnson & Johnson for the manufacturing of 100 million vaccine doses, with provisions to acquire an additional 200 million if needed.

By September 2020, J&J launched a large-scale Phase 3 trial involving 60,000 participants for their adenovirus-based vaccine. The study was temporarily halted on October 12 following a participant's illness but resumed on October 23 after no causal link between the vaccine and the adverse event was found.

In the first quarter of 2021, Janssen’s COVID-19 vaccine generated $100 million in sales, accounting for under 1% of Johnson & Johnson’s overall revenue during that period.

Business segments

The corporation's activities are organized into two primary divisions: Innovative Medicine and MedTech.

A subsidiary, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LLC (JJI), spearheads early-phase advancements in life sciences and technology to strengthen the company’s research and development pipeline. JJI facilitates startup growth by providing access to resources such as sourcing, infrastructure, and capital equipment at JLABS, venture investments through JJDC, Inc., and partnerships focused on medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and therapeutic development. The company operates four Innovation Centers located in London, Shanghai, Boston (Cambridge), and the San Francisco Bay Area. Furthermore, there are 13 JLABS incubators spread across strategic innovation centers including the Bay Area, Belgium (Beerse), Boston (Cambridge and Lowell), Houston (TMC), New York City, Philadelphia, San Diego, Shanghai, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.

Johnson & Johnson business segments
Innovative Medicine	MedTech
Immunology Cardiovascular & metabolic disease Pulmonary hypertension Infectious diseases & vaccines Neuroscience Oncology	Interventional solutions Orthopaedics Surgery (general & advanced) Vision

Innovative Medicine

This segment concentrates on six therapeutic categories: immunology (including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis); infectious diseases (notably HIV/AIDS); neuroscience (covering mood disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, schizophrenia); oncology (addressing solid tumors such as lung, prostate, bladder cancers alongside hematologic cancers); cardiovascular, metabolism, retina (focused on thrombosis and diabetes), and pulmonary hypertension. It forms a significant portion of the company’s product lineup and revenue base.

MedTech

The Cardiovascular & Specialty Solutions division delivers electrophysiology tools for diagnosing and managing cardiac arrhythmias; devices designed for endovascular treatment of both hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes; as well as offerings in breast reconstruction and aesthetic procedures. The acquisition of Mentor has broadened the company’s presence in the breast implant market.

DePuy Synthes’ orthopaedics portfolio encompasses joint reconstruction, trauma care, extremities treatment, craniomaxillofacial surgery, spinal procedures, sports medicine, along with the VELYS digital surgery platform—enhancing the firm’s leadership in surgical technology.

Ethicon provides an extensive range of advanced surgical products including sutures, staplers, energy devices, hemostatic agents, interventional ablation instruments, surgical robotics systems, and digital solutions—key contributors to growth in surgical innovation.

Johnson & Johnson Vision delivers a comprehensive selection of ophthalmic products such as contact lenses, intraocular lenses, automated dry eye therapies, and laser vision correction technologies under four distinct brands—strengthening its position in eye care products and services.

Finance

Sales by region (2024)
Region	Share
United States	56.63%
Europe	22.76%
Asia-Pacific, Africa	15.3%
Western Hemisphere (excluding US)	5.31%

For fiscal year 2024, Johnson & Johnson reported net earnings of $14.07 billion on revenues totaling $88.82 billion. The company's shares traded above $165 per share with a market capitalization surpassing $394 billion as of March 2025.

Year	Revenue (million US$)	Net income (million US$)	Employees
2005	50,514	10,060	115,600
2010	61,587	13,334	114,000
2015	70,074	15,409	127,100
2020	82,584	14,714	134,500
2023	85,159	35,153	131,900
2024	88,821	14,066	138,100

Pricing

During 2023, Darzalex (daratumumab), a Johnson & Johnson medication, was identified among five costly pharmaceuticals experiencing notable net price hikes without new clinical data justification. The wholesale acquisition cost escalated by approximately 7.6%, resulting in an additional $190 million in expenses for U.S. healthcare payers.

Corporate governance

As of December 2024, the Johnson & Johnson board of directors consists of Joaquin Duato (Chairman and CEO), Darius Adamczyk, Mary C. Beckerle, Jennifer A. Doudna, Marillyn A. Hewson, Paula A. Johnson, Hubert Joly, Mark B. McClellan, Anne M. Mulhahy, Mark A. Weinberger, Nadja Y. West, and Eugene A. Woods.

The executive leadership team includes Joaquin Duato, Vanessa Broadhurst, Liz Forminard, Kristen Mulholland, Tim Schmid, John C. Reed, James Swanson, Jennifer Taubert, Kathy E. Wengel, and Joseph J. Wolk.

Under Joaquin Duato’s guidance as CEO, the company continues to expand its global business presence and strengthen market positioning.

Chairmen

Robert Wood Johnson I (1887–1910)
James Wood Johnson (1910–1932)
Robert Wood Johnson II (1932–1963)
Philip B. Hofmann (1963–1973)
Richard B. Sellars (1973–1976)
James E. Burke (1976–1989)
Ralph S. Larsen (1989–2002)
William C. Weldon (2002–2012)
Alex Gorsky (2012–2022)
Joaquin Duato (2023–present)

Ownership

Institutional investors control 73.57% of the company’s outstanding shares. The leading ten shareholders as of December 2024 are:

Environmental record

Johnson & Johnson holds the third position among the largest U.S.-based firms in Newsweeks "Green Rankings," showcasing its dedication to sustainability efforts such as minimizing water usage, waste production, and energy consumption while improving transparency practices. The company has shifted from using polyvinyl chloride to more eco-friendly materials in its liquid packaging production and partners with initiatives like the Climate Northwest Initiative and EPA’s National Environmental Performance Track program. Furthermore, as a participant in the Green Power Partnership, Johnson & Johnson operates Pennsylvania’s largest solar energy facility at its Fort Washington location, supporting its environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility objectives.

1982 Chicago Tylenol murders

On September 29, 1982, seven individuals in the Chicago vicinity died after consuming Extra Strength Tylenol capsules intentionally contaminated with cyanide. Within one week, Johnson & Johnson executed one of the most extensive product recalls in U.S. history by withdrawing 31 million bottles from retail outlets nationwide. This incident prompted changes in over-the-counter medication packaging standards and led to federal anti-tampering legislation reforms. The company’s prompt nationwide recall combined with transparent communication was widely regarded as exemplary corporate crisis management, bolstering its reputation despite the case remaining unresolved.

2010 children's product recall

On April 30, 2010, McNeil Consumer Healthcare—a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson—voluntarily recalled 43 over-the-counter children’s medications including Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec, and Benadryl after an inspection at its Fort Washington manufacturing site uncovered potential quality control issues such as elevated active ingredient levels and other defects. The recall impacted products distributed across North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. In response, Johnson & Johnson conducted a thorough quality review and launched a dedicated consumer information website to demonstrate its commitment to safety and regulatory adherence.

2010 hip-replacement recall

On August 24, 2010, DePuy Orthopaedics—part of Johnson & Johnson—recalled ASR hip replacement devices following data from the National Joint Registry indicating a revision rate of roughly 12% for resurfacing procedures at five years and 13% for ASR XL implants; this contrasts with typical hip prostheses having about a 1% annual failure rate.

These defective implants released metal particles causing soft tissue injury and long-term disability in some recipients; elevated cobalt and chromium ions were also detected in patients’ bloodstreams and cerebrospinal fluid.

In March 2013, a Los Angeles jury awarded over $8.3 million to a plaintiff in the first among more than 10,000 lawsuits filed against Johnson & Johnson related to this recall. Legal experts estimate that these claims could result in multi-billion-dollar liabilities for the company.

2010 Tylenol recall

During 2010 and 2011, Johnson & Johnson voluntarily recalled certain over-the-counter products including Tylenol due to an unpleasant odor caused by tribromoanisole contamination originating from 2,4,6-tribromophenol used to treat wooden pallets transporting packaging materials.

Shareholders lawsuit

In 2010, a group of shareholders initiated legal action against the board for allegedly neglecting serious misconduct and illegal activities dating back to the 1990s—including manufacturing defects, bribery schemes, concealment of adverse effects, and deceptive marketing for unauthorized uses of products. Although initially dismissed in 2011, the case was permitted to be refiled later that year. In 2012, Johnson & Johnson proposed a settlement involving enhanced oversight along with improved quality control and compliance procedures for a five-year period.

Illegal marketing of Risperdal

Multiple juries across various U.S. states found Johnson & Johnson liable for hiding negative side effects associated with Janssen Pharmaceuticals’ antipsychotic drug Risperdal and falsely promoting it as superior to generic alternatives as well as for unapproved dementia treatments. Substantial damage awards were granted in states such as Texas ($158 million), South Carolina ($327 million), Louisiana ($258 million), and Arkansas ($1.2 billion).

In 2010, the United States Department of Justice joined a whistleblower lawsuit accusing J&J of unlawfully marketing Risperdal through Omnicare—a major pharmaceutical distributor serving nursing homes—despite FDA warnings against promoting it for elderly patients; J&J allegedly compensated Omnicare for this promotion effort. The resulting settlement in 2013 required J&J to pay approximately $2.2 billion in criminal fines and civil penalties.

Johnson & Johnson also faced congressional inquiries regarding payments made to psychiatrists who promoted its products and ghostwrote scientific articles—particularly involving Joseph Biederman’s research on pediatric bipolar disorder.

Foreign bribery

In 2011, Johnson & Johnson resolved allegations brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by paying about $70 million in fines and disgorgement after employees were found to have bribed physicians in Greece, Poland, Romania to boost sales of pharmaceuticals and medical devices; officials in Iraq were also bribed to secure contracts under the Oil for Food program. The company cooperated fully with authorities throughout the investigation.

Consumer fraud settlements

In May 2017, J&J agreed to pay $33 million to settle consumer fraud claims brought by several states related to certain over-the-counter medications.

Use of the Red Cross symbol

Johnson & Johnson registered the Red Cross emblem as a trademark within the United States for "medicinal and surgical plasters" in 1905 and has utilized this symbol since 1887. Although international conventions reserve this emblem for specific humanitarian uses under the Geneva Conventions, J&J’s trademark predates U.S.-based protections granted to the American Red Cross or military applications. The U.S.’s reservation to the 1949 Geneva Conventions permits continued use predating 1905 provided it is not applied on military-related goods.

The American Red Cross acknowledges J&J’s trademark rights; however in 2007 J&J filed suit against them over symbol use on commercial products not intended for nonprofit purposes. Most claims were dismissed by courts in 2008 with both parties later agreeing on continued coexistence regarding emblem usage.

Boston Scientific lawsuits

Since 2003 there has been ongoing patent litigation between Johnson & Johnson and Boston Scientific concerning heart stent technologies; this dispute concluded with Boston Scientific paying $716 million in 2009 followed by $1.73 billion in damages during 2010 to J&J but reignited again as contractual disagreements emerged in 2014.

Patent-infringement case against Abbott

In 2007 J&J sued Abbott Laboratories alleging unauthorized use of patented technology licensed exclusively to J&J’s Centocor division related to arthritis medication Humira; initially awarded $1.84 billion—the largest patent infringement verdict at that time—the decision was overturned on appeal by Abbott Laboratories in 2011.

Vaginal mesh implants

Globally facing extensive litigation regarding vaginal mesh devices linked with severe complications, Johnson & Johnson confronted class action lawsuits in Australia where over 700 women alleged aggressive marketing without sufficient warnings or testing; internal communications indicated awareness of risks since at least 2005. The Federal Court of Australia ruled J&J negligent in 2019 with appeals upholding this judgment; a A$300 million settlement was reached pending court approval in 2022.

In the United States during 2016 California and Washington filed suits accusing deceptive marketing practices; subsequently in 2019 J&J along with subsidiary Ethicon agreed to settle claims brought by forty-one states plus D.C., paying roughly $117 million without admitting liability concerning undisclosed risks associated with transvaginal mesh devices withdrawn from U.S markets since 2012.

Baby powder

Johnson & Johnson has been subject to more than 60,000 lawsuits alleging that its talc-based baby powder causes ovarian cancer due to asbestos contamination concerns. In a notable case during 2016 involving Jacqueline Fox’s family awarded $72 million damages which was appealed by J&J; by 2017 over one thousand women had filed suits accusing J&J of concealing cancer risks linked to Baby Powder—used predominantly by adults according to company estimates at about seventy percent usage share.

That year a California jury granted $417 million compensation citing ovarian cancer caused by talc products; J&J appealed these findings.

Subsequent Missouri court rulings overturned verdicts including a $72 million award due to jurisdictional challenges nullifying other multi-million-dollar judgments as well.

A St Louis jury awarded nearly $4.7 billion damages during 2018 involving twenty-two women claiming asbestos exposure from talcum powder caused their cancers; following this decision J&J reformulated its baby powder removing several chemicals aiming at restoring consumer trust.

Internal documents disclosed that company officials had knowledge of asbestos contamination since at least early seventies yet attempted concealment efforts.

Efforts by J&J to overturn a $4.7 billion verdict—which included punitive damages totaling $4.14 billion alongside $550 million compensatory damages—were unsuccessful.

Scientific studies indicated a modestly increased ovarian cancer risk associated with genital talc use but lacked definitive dose-response evidence; conversely a similar case resulted favorably for J&J before a St Louis jury during 2019.

CEO Alex Gorsky declined congressional testimony regarding Baby Powder safety concerns offering expert witnesses instead who were rejected by lawmakers.

Due to declining sales amid ongoing litigation pressures J&J ceased talc-based baby powder distribution within U.S.and Canadian markets during 2020 while continuing cornstarch-based alternatives domestically plus talc powder sales internationally.

The Missouri Supreme Court refused review of a $2.12 billion damage award against J&J; similarly the U.S Supreme Court declined appeals leaving reduced judgment intact with two justices recusing themselves owing to possible conflicts of interest.

In late developments during 2021 J&J’s subsidiary LTL Management LLC filed for Chapter Eleven bankruptcy protection utilizing Texas divisional merger strategy aiming to isolate talc-related liabilities into a separate entity funded by a $2 billion trust—significantly less than estimated potential liabilities exceeding $25 billion if parent company declared bankruptcy—with LTL headquartered in New Jersey.

By early-2022 J&J announced plans terminating talc-based powder production by next year replacing it entirely with cornstarch formulations while maintaining assertions regarding talc product safety.

Lawsuits also exposed connections between J&J and controversial asbestos testing experiments conducted on inmates at Holmesburg Prison decades prior.

As of early-2023 litigation surpassed forty thousand cases prompting J&J to increase settlement offers from $2 billion up to $9 billion; by February 2025 lawsuits exceeded sixty-two thousand leading J&J to propose a $10 billion settlement financed through subsidiary bankruptcy proceedings pending judicial approval—a proposal gaining greater support relative to previous attempts but facing criticism from plaintiff attorneys alleging inequitable voting processes within creditor groups.

Opioid crisis

By 2018, Johnson & Johnson had become a principal defendant in the opioid epidemic in the United States, confronted with more than 500 lawsuits related to opioids. The company faced allegations of playing a part in opioid overdose fatalities, including legal actions in Idaho and several other states. The initial significant trial commenced in Oklahoma in May 2019, culminating in a $572 million verdict against J&J for its involvement in the epidemic. Later that year, in October 2019, the corporation disbursed $20.4 million to two counties in Ohio as part of opioid-related settlements. In January 2022, J&J consented to a payment of up to $5 billion as a component of a broader $26 billion national settlement alongside distributors McKesson, AmerisourceBergen, and Cardinal Health. Should these matters have proceeded through litigation, potential fines might have escalated to $95 billion.

Settlement in Northeastern Ohio

In October 2019, Johnson & Johnson reached a $20.4 million agreement with the most populous counties of northeastern Ohio—Cuyahoga (home to Cleveland) and Summit (including Akron). This resolution prevented a trial that accused J&J and other pharmaceutical companies of fueling the US opioid crisis. The settlement included no admission of wrongdoing and designated $10 million as direct payments, $5 million for legal costs, and $5.4 million directed toward opioid-focused nonprofit organizations within these counties.

Collaboration with Public and Private Sectors

Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries maintain active partnerships across public and private domains to promote research initiatives, support academic institutions financially, sponsor events, contribute philanthropically, and engage in political advocacy.

Academic Partnerships

The company participates as a matching gift contributor to the Institute for Advanced Study.

Advocacy Efforts

J&J serves as a corporate partner to the Human Rights Campaign, a leading organization advocating for LGBT rights.
It provides financial backing to Women Deliver, an entity dedicated to advancing gender equality.

Political Advocacy

Johnson & Johnson engages in lobbying activities within the United States, Canada, and globally through philanthropic efforts and industry group memberships.

It ranks among the top contributors to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), donating between $5 million and $10 million from 2000 through 2020.
The company collaborates with the Pandemic Action Network.
J&J holds membership in the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), both trade groups that advocate for biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. These organizations maintain headquarters in Washington, D.C., with PhRMA also operating offices in Japan and the United Arab Emirates.
The firm is part of the Personalized Medicine Coalition, which promotes increased investment in personalized medicine research.
Additionally, it is affiliated with the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC), which supports expanded funding for research and innovation.

Innovation and Research Funding

Johnson & Johnson has committed resources toward research by providing grants and substantial financial support to institutions such as the C. D. Howe Institute, fostering innovation consistent with its strategic objectives.

External links