Miyoshi America Inc., a supplier of cosmetics ingredients, filed for bankruptcy protection in Texas on Monday with a preapproved Chapter 11 plan aimed at resolving asbestos-related mesothelioma litigation. Despite disputing any talc-related or asbestos-related liability, the company is establishing a $20 million trust for the approximately 270 personal injury cases alleging its talc-based products were contaminated with the toxic mineral.
Cosmetics Company Calls Mesothelioma Litigation Costs Unsustainable
In a statement addressing the bankruptcy protection, the company’s vice president, Edward Houlihan, indicated the filing was designed to resolve the mesothelioma claims against it. The Connecticut-based company had defended itself in court, but as more and more mesothelioma cases were filed, he said fighting them all became unsustainable.
“Miyoshi vigorously disputes any and all talc-related or asbestos-related liability” for mesothelioma, the declaration said. “However, the costs associated with continuing to litigate and settle the talc personal injury claims, even at de minimis amounts, are simply not sustainable for Miyoshi’s continued operations.” The settlement would see the company place $19 million in cash and a $1 million promissory note into a trust for asbestos claimants. It will also establish an injunction preventing legal pursuit of the reorganized debtor itself. The plan was devised with a committee representing current talc claimants with mesothelioma, as well as a representative for future claimants.
First Mesothelioma Case Against Cosmetics Supplier Filed in 2015
Miyoshi America Inc., which treats cosmetic ingredients to improve them, was founded in 1985. Some of the ingredients it provided were talc-based, and the company began winding down talc products and stopped offering them entirely in 2025 after facing a growing number of mesothelioma claims asserting that its talc-based products were contaminated with asbestos.
The first mesothelioma claim was filed in 2015, and many more followed. According to a representative, “The debtor has been overall successful in resolving the talc cases filed against it without trial, through dismissal, grants of summary judgment, or settlement, and has never had a judgment entered against it in a mesothelioma case.” In July 2025, the company contacted victims’ attorneys about resolving their disputes, bringing in a retired judge to represent future mesothelioma claimants. The plan is backed by more than 99% of those with pending claims.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need a strong advocate on your side. For information on how the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help, contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
