In an ongoing trial blaming consumer giant Johnson & Johnson of causing three women’s ovarian cancer, the jury was shown a video deposition in which a former J&J toxicologist said he found no evidence his employer had provided the FDA with a report that “unmistakably” found asbestos in the company’s talc. The question has been at the center of both ovarian cancer victims’ litigation and mesothelioma litigation against the company.
J&J Insider Says Mesothelioma-Linked Asbestos “Incontrovertibly” Found in Talc
Years ago, toxicologist John Hopkins prepared a report for Johnson & Johnson saying he’d “unmistakably” found chrysotile asbestos in their talc and had even included photographs of the mesothelioma-causing fibers. Despite this, in a 2018 videotaped deposition, he acknowledged he’d never seen evidence that his research had been provided to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The testimony in the ovarian cancer trial contradicts Johnson & Johnson’s assertion to the FDA that it had turned over all relevant documents and tests about the presence of asbestos, which causes both mesothelioma and other cancers, in its products. The jury had previously seen Hopkins’ testimony denying that internal documents prove the company manipulated and controlled a study conducted on Italian talc miners. Hopkins also acknowledged that in an internal J&J document, a company executive had written, “I think it’s important that we originate this study and therefore control the work.”
Mesothelioma Victims’ Families Hear Hopkins Acknowledge His Own Written Warning About Asbestos
The jury saw Mr. Hopkins acknowledge the report in which he’d written that “the needle-like structure of asbestos … is the quality that gives it the ability to embed in pulmonary tissue and potentially lead to mesothelioma.” This contradicted his persistent denials that company documents demonstrated knowledge of mesothelioma-causing asbestos in its talc. Faced with
memos in which executives discussed the need to “compromise” research linking talc to asbestos, he insisted they only meant to “challenge” it.
Regarding another document in which J&J told the FDA that a “substantial” amount of asbestos would be safe to allow in its talc products, he tried to characterize it as merely responding to an FDA request rather than advocating for permissible mesothelioma-causing asbestos levels. The testimony builds on evidence heard throughout this trial and previous mesothelioma trials that have asserted a systematic concealment of asbestos findings from the FDA and the public.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, or another asbestos-related disease, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
