{{Short description|American multinational pharmaceutical and medical device company}} {{Distinguish|S. C. Johnson & Son}} {{Redirect2|J&J|JNJ|other uses|J & J (disambiguation)|and|JNJ (disambiguation)}} {{Use American English|date=October 2015}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2023}} {{Infobox company | name = Johnson & Johnson | former_names = | logo = JNJ_Logo_New.svg | logo_size = 250 | image = Johnson & Johnson (J&J) (55143119004).jpg | image_size = 250 | image_caption = Headquarters at One Johnson and Johnson Plaza in New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S. | type = Public | traded_as = {{Unbulleted list | {{NYSE|JNJ}} | DJIA component | S&P 100 component | S&P 500 component }} | ISIN = {{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|US4781601046}} | industry = {{Unbulleted list | Pharmaceutical | Medical Technology }} | founded = {{Start date and age|1886|1}} in New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S. | founders = {{Unbulleted list | Robert Wood Johnson I | James Wood Johnson | Edward Mead Johnson }} | hq_location = Johnson and Johnson Plaza | hq_location_city = New Brunswick, New Jersey | hq_location_country = U.S.<br />{{Coord|40|29|55|N|74|26|37|W|format=dms|type:landmark_region:US-NJ|display=title,inline}} | area_served = Worldwide | key_people = {{Unbulleted list | Joaquin Duato (chairman & CEO) | John C. Reed (EVP) }} | products = List of Johnson & Johnson products and services | revenue = {{increase}} {{US$|94.19 billion|link=yes}} (2025) | operating_income = {{increase}} {{US$|25.29 billion}} (2025) | net_income = {{increase}} {{US$|26.80 billion}} (2025) | assets = {{increase}} {{US$|199.2 billion}} (2025) | equity = {{increase}} {{US$|81.54 billion}} (2025) | num_employees = 138,200 (2025) | subsidiaries = {{collapsible list | | '''Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine''' {{bulleted list | Actelion Pharmaceuticals | Alza | Cilag | Janssen Pharmaceuticals | Janssen Vaccines | Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development | MorphoSys | Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical | Ortho-McNeil-Janssen | Ortho Pharmaceutical | Tibotec }} | '''Johnson & Johnson MedTech''' {{bulleted list | Abiomed | DePuy Synthes | Ethicon | Johnson & Johnson Vision | Mentor | Synthes }}
}} | website = {{url|https://www.jnj.com/ |jnj.com}} | footnotes = <ref name=10K>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000200406/000020040626000016/jnj-20251228.htm |title=Johnson and Johnson 2025 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |publisher=United States Securities and Exchange Commission |date=February 11, 2026}}</ref> }}
'''Johnson & Johnson''' ('''J&J''') is an American multinational pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical technologies corporation headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
The company operates 2 divisions: Innovative Medicine (64% of 2025 revenues) and MedTech (36% of 2025 revenues).<ref name=10K/> Major products produced by the Innovative Medicine division are CARVYKTI (ciltacabtagene autoleucel) for multiple myeloma (2.0% of revenues); DARZALEX (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj), also for multiple myeloma (15.2% of revenues); ERLEADA (apalutamide), for prostate cancer (3.8% of revenues); REMICADE (infliximab), for inflammatory diseases (1.9% of revenues); SIMPONI/SIMPONI ARIA (golimumab), for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) (2.8% of revenues); STELARA (ustekinumab), for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis (6.5% of revenues); TREMFYA (guselkumab), for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis (5.5% of revenues); INVEGA SUSTENNA/XEPLION (paliperidone palmitate), for schizophrenia (4.1% of revenues); SPRAVATO (Esketamine), a nasal spray for depression (1.8% of revenues); OPSUMIT (macitentan)/OPSYNVI (macitentan/tadalafil) for pulmonary arterial hypertension (2.5% of revenues); and UPTRAVI (selexipag) for pulmonary arterial hypertension (2.0% of revenues).<ref name=10K/> The MedTech division produces products used for cardiovascular (9.5% of revenues), orthopaedics (DePuy Synthes) (9.8% of revenues), surgery (Ethicon) (10.8% of revenues), and vision treatments (Johnson & Johnson Vision) (5.8% of revenues).<ref name=10K/>
The company is ranked 48th on the ''Fortune'' 500<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fortune: Johnson & Johnson |url=https://fortune.com/company/johnson-johnson/ |work=Fortune}}</ref> and 42nd on the ''Forbes'' Global 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Forbes: Johnson & Johnson |url=https://www.forbes.com/companies/johnson-johnson/ |work=Forbes}}</ref>
Along with Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson is one of only two U.S.-based companies that has a prime credit rating of AAA from S&P Global.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.investors.com/etfs-and-funds/sectors/sp500-companies-cling-to-aaa-rating-as-u-s-risks-being-a-deadbeat/ | title=2 Remaining AAA-Rated Companies Shine As U.S. Gets Downgraded | first=Matt | last=Kranz | work=Investor's Business Daily | date=August 2, 2023}}</ref>
Johnson & Johnson was founded in 1886 by three brothers, Robert Wood Johnson, James Wood Johnson, and Edward Mead Johnson, selling ready-to-use sterile surgical dressings. It developed some of the most recognizable healthcare products, including the first commercial first aid kit, maternity kits, baby powder, Band-Aids, Tylenol, and contact lens. It developed breakthrough treatments including RhoGAM for Rh incompatibility, HIV therapies, and the antidepressant Spravato (esketamine). The company has played major roles during public health crises including the Spanish flu and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Johnson & Johnson has faced significant lawsuits related to hip implant failures, Risperdal marketing claims, transvaginal mesh, and talc-related cancer cases. ==History== ===1873–1885: Before Johnson & Johnson=== Robert Wood Johnson began his professional training at age 16 as a pharmaceutical apprentice at an apothecary run by his mother's cousin, James G. Wood, in Poughkeepsie, New York.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-tribune-carbondale-area-native/61974716/ |title=Carbondale Area Native Founded Johnson & Johnson |pages=129 |work=The Times-Tribune | via=Newspapers.com | date=November 12, 2000}}</ref><ref name="Rebel">{{Cite book| vauthors=Foster LG |title=The Gentleman Rebel |publisher=Lillian Press |year=1999 |isbn=0966288203}}</ref>{{Rp|12}} Johnson co-founded his own company with George J. Seabury in 1873. The New York-based Seabury & Johnson became known for its medicated plasters.<ref name="bio dictionary">{{Cite book| vauthors=Ingham JN |title=Biographical Dictionary of American Business Leaders |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|year=1983|isbn=0313239088|volume=2}}</ref>{{Rp|675}}<ref name="Rebel" />{{Rp|15}} Robert Wood Johnson represented the company at the Centennial Exposition in 1876.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=Rutkow I | title=Joseph Lister and his 1876 tour of America | journal=Annals of Surgery | volume=257 | issue=6 | pages=1181–7 | date=June 2013 | pmid=23059499 | doi=10.1097/SLA.0b013e31826d9116 | s2cid=389275}}</ref> There he heard Joseph Lister's explanation of a new procedure: antiseptic surgery.<ref name="Rebel" />{{Rp|31}} Johnson parted ways with his business partner Seabury in 1885.<ref name="Rebel" />{{Rp|38}}
===1886: Founding of Johnson & Johnson=== right|thumb|218x218px|Robert Wood Johnson, one of the company's founders Robert Wood Johnson joined his brothers, James Wood Johnson and Edward Mead Johnson, and created a line of ready-to-use sterile surgical dressings in 1886. They founded Johnson & Johnson in 1886<ref name="bio dictionary" />{{Rp|675}}<ref name="Rebel" />{{Rp|38}} with 14 employees, eight women and six men.<ref name="Rebel" />{{Rp|43}} Johnson & Johnson opened its first factory building in the old Janeway and Carpenter factory on Neilson Street in New Brunswick, New Jersey.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gordon |first=A. E. |date=March 16, 1994 |title=The New Enterprise |work=The New Brunswick Times}}</ref>
They manufactured sterile surgical supplies, household products, and medical guides.<ref name="History">{{Cite web |url=https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/history-of-johnson-and-johnson |title=History of Johnson & Johnson | work=TheStreet.com |date=February 24, 2020}}</ref> Those products initially featured a logo that resembled the signature of James Wood Johnson.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/10/nyregion/from-bandaids-to-biotech.html | vauthors=Warner S |title=From Band-Aids To Biotech |work=The New York Times |date=April 10, 2005 | url-access=limited |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Robert Wood Johnson served as the first president of the company.<ref name="bio dictionary" />{{Rp|675}}
===1887–1942: Early history=== thumb|right|Early corrosive sublimate cotton packaging with the signature logo, c. 1887 The company sold medicated plasters such as Johnson & Johnson's Black Perfect Taffeta Court Plaster<ref>{{Cite book|title=Pharmaceutische Rundschau|publisher=Fr. Hoffmann |year=1888 |volume=6 |location=Harvard University|pages=181}}</ref> and also manufactured the world's first sterile surgical products, including sutures, absorbent cotton, and gauze.<ref>{{Cite book| vauthors=McDonnell G |title=Block's Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation|publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |year=2020 |isbn=978-1496381507}}</ref> The company published "Modern Methods of Antiseptic Wound Treatment", a guide on how to do sterile surgery using its products, and in 1888, distributed 85,000 copies to doctors and pharmacists across the United States.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book| vauthors=Pickersgill HE |title=Frederick Barnett Kilmer in History of Middlesex County, New Jersey 1664- 1920|publisher=Lewis Historical Publishing Company|year=1921|location=New York and Chicago}}</ref>{{Rp|3–99}} The manual was translated into three languages and distributed worldwide.<ref name=":3" /> The first commercial first aid kit was designed in 1888 to support railroad construction workers, who were often hundreds of miles from medical care.<ref name=":3" /> The kits included antiseptic emergency supplies and directions for field use. In 1901, the company published the ''Handbook of First Aid'', a guide on applying first aid.<ref name=":3" />
In 1889, the company hired pharmacist Fred Kilmer as its first scientific director, who led its scientific research and wrote educational manuals.<ref name=":3" /> Kilmer's first achievement as scientific director was developing the industrial sterilization process.<ref name=":3" /> He was employed at the company until 1934.<ref name=":3" />
Johnson & Johnson had more than 400 employees and 14 buildings by 1894.<ref name=":3" /> In 1894, the company began producing Johnson's Baby Powder, the company's first baby product.<ref name="History" />
The company introduced the world's first maternity kit in 1894 to aid at-home births, called Dr. Simpson's Maternity Packet, presumably after Scottish obstetrician James Young Simpson. The kit included a washcloth; safety pins; sterile sutures, sponges, and gauze; antiseptic soap; an obstetric sheet and ligatures; flannel to wrap the baby in; and a chart for keeping birth records.<ref name="History" /> The products were later marketed separately, including "Lister's Towels", the world's first mass-produced sanitary napkins.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mum.org/listers.htm |title=Lister's Towels, Johnson & Johnson, ads at MUM |website=www.mum.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51297025 |title=How did companies sell 'unmentionable' sanitary towels? |work=BBC News |date=February 26, 2020}}</ref> Kilmer wrote "Hygiene in Maternity", an instructional guide for mothers before and after delivery.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H8eEF8xhJNgC |title=Red Cross Notes |publisher=Johnson & Johnson |date=1898}}</ref> In 1904, the company expanded its baby care products with "Lister's Sanitary Diapers", a diaper product for infants.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.semissourian.com/business/diaper-dandies-facts-about-disposable-diapers-as-pg-celebrates-50-years-in-cape-county-2629488/ |title=Facts about disposable diapers as P&G celebrates 50 years in Cape County |work=Southeast Missourian | date=August 24, 2019 | url-access=subscription}}</ref>
During the Spanish–American War, Johnson & Johnson developed and donated 300,000 packaged compressed surgical dressings for soldiers in the field<ref name="Rebel" />{{Rp|78}} and created a trauma stretcher for field medics. The company donated its products in disaster relief efforts of the 1900 Galveston hurricane<ref name="Rebel" />{{Rp|79}} and the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.<ref name="Rebel" />{{Rp|81}}
Johnson & Johnson vaccinated all of its employees against smallpox during the 1901 smallpox epidemic. The firm employed more than 1,200 people by 1910.<ref name="peril">{{Cite news|date=March 28, 1911|title=Peril of City Factories|work=Daily Home News|location=New Brunswick, N.J.}}</ref> Women accounted for half of the company's workforce and led a quarter of its departments.<ref name="peril" />
Robert Wood Johnson died in 1910, and he was succeeded as president of the company by his brother James Wood Johnson.<ref name="Rebel" />{{Rp|195}}
During World War I, Johnson & Johnson factories ran round-the-clock shifts to supply sterile dressings, gauze, and surgical sutures to the Allied forces and European hospitals.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.jnj.com/veterans-military-and-military-families | title=Veterans, military and military families | work=Johnson & Johnson}}</ref>
In 1916, the company acquired Chicopee Manufacturing Company in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, to meet demand.<ref name="about us">{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://chicopee.com/en-us/about-us |website=Chicopee Solutions}}</ref><ref name="Rebel" />{{Rp|129}} Near the end of World War I, the Spanish flu broke out. The company invented and distributed an epidemic mask that helped prevent the spread of the flu.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.jnj.com/our-heritage/how-johnson-johnson-has-helped-improve-public-health-during-outbreaks | title=4 innovative ways Johnson & Johnson has helped protect the public’s health during outbreaks since the late 1800s | work=Johnson & Johnson}}</ref><ref name=fu/>
In 1919, Johnson & Johnson opened the Gilmour Plant near Montreal, its first factory outside the United States,<ref name=fu/> which produced surgical products for international customers. In 1924 the company's first overseas manufacturing facility was opened in Slough, England.<ref name=fu/>
In 1920, Earle Dickson combined two Johnson & Johnson products, adhesive tape and gauze, to create the first commercial adhesive bandage. Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages began sales the following year.<ref name=fu/><ref name="Rebel" /> In 1921, the company released Johnson's Baby Soap.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wLU9AQAAMAAJ |title=Marketing Communications | publisher=Pennsylvania State University | date=1921}}</ref> Named after its Massachusetts facility, Johnson & Johnson built a textile mill and company town, Chicopee, outside Gainesville, Georgia.<ref name="Rebel" />{{Rp|170}} In the 1930s, the company expanded operations to Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa.<ref>{{Cite web| vauthors=Sengupta N |title=Johnson & Johnson: Caring for People, Worldwide |url=https://www.sdmimd.ac.in/SDMRCMS/cases/CIM2013/5.pdf|access-date=October 8, 2020 |website=Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Institute for Management Development}}</ref> In 1931, Johnson & Johnson introduced the first prescription contraceptive gel marketed as Ortho-Gynol.<ref name=Timeline/>
Robert Wood Johnson II became president of the company in 1932.<ref name="Rebel" />{{Rp|195}}
During the Great Depression, Johnson & Johnson kept all its workers employed and raised wages by 5%.<ref name="Rebel" />{{Rp|191}} In 1933, Robert Wood Johnson II wrote a letter to Franklin D. Roosevelt, calling for a federal law to increase wages and reduce hours for all American workers.<ref name="Rebel" />{{Rp|199}} The company also opened a new facility in Chicago during that period.<ref name="Rebel" />{{Rp|191}} Johnson wrote and distributed "Try Reality: A Discussion of Hours, Wages, and The Industrial Future" to persuade business leaders to follow his lead, advocating that business is more than profit and that companies have responsibilities to consumers, employees, and society. In "Try Reality", the section titled "An Industrial Philosophy" would later become the company's credo.<ref name="Rebel" />{{Rp|224}}<ref name=fu/>
In 1935, Johnson's Baby Oil was added to its line of baby products.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T1AEAAAAMBAJ|title=LIFE|date=August 9, 1943|publisher=Time|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/old-school-products-that-still-rock-88003401298.html |title=Old School Products That Still Rock | first=Joanna | last=Douglas | work=Yahoo |date=June 22, 2014}}</ref> Both male and female Johnson & Johnson employees were drafted and enlisted during World War II.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.war.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/2140942/first-peacetime-draft-enacted-just-before-world-war-ii/ |title=First Peacetime Draft Enacted Just Before World War II |website=U.S. Department of Defense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.archives.gov/research/military/ww1/draft-registration |title=World War I Draft Registration Cards |website=National Archives |date=August 15, 2016}}</ref> The company ensured no one would lose their job when they returned home.
Robert Wood Johnson II was appointed head of the Smaller War Plants Corporation in Washington, D.C. His work ensured U.S. factories with under 500 employees were awarded government contracts.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.jnj.com/our-heritage/from-company-president-to-national-business-leader-the-story-of-robert-wood-johnson-ii | title=From company president to national business leader: the story of Robert Wood Johnson II | work=Johnson & Johnson}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/01/31/archives/robert-wood-johnson-74-dies-chairman-of-johnson-johnson-founders.html |title=Robert Wood Johnson, 74, Dies; Chairman of Johnson & Johnson; Founder's Son Led Company until 1963 No. 2 Man on War Production Board |work=The New York Times |date=January 31, 1968| url-access=limited |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
===1943: Credo and IPO=== In 1943, as the company was preparing for its initial public offering (IPO), Robert Wood Johnson wrote what the company called "Our Credo",<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.jnj.com/our-credo |title=Our Credo |website=Johnson & Johnson}}</ref> a defining document that has been used to guide the company's decisions over the years.<ref>{{cite news |title=Johnson & Johnson's new CEO emphasizes company credo at shareholder's meeting |url=https://www.nj.com/business/2012/04/johnson_johnsons_new_ceo_empha.html | vauthors=Todd S |website=NJ.com |date=April 26, 2012}}</ref>
The company became a public company via an initial public offering in 1944.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.fool.com/investing/2019/12/31/if-you-invested-10000-in-johnson-johnsons-ipo-this.aspx |title=If You Invested $10,000 in Johnson & Johnson's IPO, This Is How Much Money You'd Have Now | vauthors=Carmichael T |website=fool.com |date=December 31, 2019}}</ref>
In 1943, Vesta Stoudt identified a need for waterproof tape for ammunition boxes in World War Two. She wrote to Franklin D. Roosevelt with the idea; the president commissioned Revolite, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson at the time, to develop and manufacture a cloth-based adhesive tape, later duct tape.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.jnj.com/our-heritage/vesta-stoudt-the-woman-who-invented-duct-tape | title=Meet the determined woman who invented duct tape | work=Johnson & Johnson}}</ref>
===1944–1999: Acquisitions and international expansion === thumb|Variation of logo used from the company's establishment until September 14, 2023. In 1944, the company began selling Johnson's Baby Lotion. The same year, the company established Ethicon Suture Laboratories. In 1947, G. F. Merson Ltd. was acquired to expand the company's suture business in the United Kingdom. The company was rebranded and absorbed into Ethicon.<ref name=Timeline>{{Cite web | url=https://www.jnj.com/our-heritage/timeline | title=Timeline | work=Johnson & Johnson}}</ref>
Johnson & Johnson chairman of the board, Robert Wood Johnson, published ''Or Forfeit Freedom'', in 1947. The book outlined that businesses need to develop sustainable methods of using natural resources for the future of business and the planet.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/09/21/archives/full-service-formula-or-forfeit-freedom-by-robert-wood-johnson.html | title=Full Service" Formula; OR FORFEIT FREEDOM. By Robert Wood Johnson. Illustrated with line decorations by Bernice Jameson and photographs. 271 pp. New York: Doubleday & Co. $2.50. | first=Keith | last=Hutchison | work=The New York Times | date=September 21, 1947}}</ref>
In 1955, Ethicon developed a micro-point reverse-cutting ophthalmic needle attached to the suture. Micro-point surgical needles and sutures allowed for advances in modern vision surgery.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theapprenticedoctor.com/comparison-different-suturing-needles-available-today/ |title=A Comparison of Suturing Needles Available |website=The Apprentice Doctor |date=December 3, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Byrne |first1=Miriam |last2=Aly |first2=Al |date=March 14, 2019 |title=The Surgical Needle |journal=Aesthetic Surgery Journal |volume=39 |issue=Suppl_2 |pages=S73–S77 |doi=10.1093/asj/sjz035 |issn=1527-330X |pmid=30869752}}</ref>
In 1956, the company opened its first Asia-based operating company in the Philippines.<ref name=Timeline/>
Johnson & Johnson opened its first operating company in India in 1957.<ref name=Timeline/>
In 1959, Johnson & Johnson acquired McNeil Consumer Healthcare.<ref name=Timeline/><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=https://pharmaphorum.com/views-analysis-sales-marketing/a-history-of-johnson-johnson/ |title=A history of Johnson & Johnson |website=pharmaphorum.com |date=February 26, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/01/17/archives/drug-concern-sold-mcneil-laboratories-bought-by-johnson-johnson.html | title=DRUG CONCERN SOLD; McNeil Laboratories Bought by Johnson & Johnson | work=The New York Times | date=January 17, 1959}}</ref>
A year later, the company sold Tylenol for the first time without a prescription.<ref name=":0" /> In the same year, Cilag Chemie joined Johnson & Johnson as Cilag.<ref name=":0" />
In 1961, Johnson & Johnson acquired Janssen Pharmaceuticals, which had been founded in 1953 by Belgian scientist Paul Janssen,<ref name=":0" /> the inventor of Fentanyl.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/09/04/757089868/fentanyl-as-a-dark-web-profit-center-from-chinese-labs-to-u-s-streets |title=Fentanyl As A Dark Web Profit Center, From Chinese Labs To U.S. Streets | first=Dave | last=Davies | work=NPR | date=September 4, 2019}}</ref>
In 1963, Philip B. Hofmann succeeded Robert Wood Johnson as chairman and CEO. He was the first non-Johnson family member to become chief executive. Hofmann also helped found the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.<ref name=fu/> In the same year, the Food and Drug Administration approved a synthetic hormone contraceptive pill, Ortho-Novum.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object/nmah_557425 |title=Ortho-Novum Oral Contraceptive |website=National Museum of American History}}</ref>
In 1965, Johnson & Johnson acquired Codman & Shurtleff. The acquired company produced neurovascular devices and neurosurgery technologies.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/entertainment/movies/2011/12/19/johnson-johnson-s-codman-shurtleff/38263438007/ |last=Winokoor |first=Charles |title=Johnson & Johnson's Codman & Shurtleff surgical instrument line sold to Indiana company |website=Taunton Daily Gazette | date=December 19, 2011}}</ref> In 1968, the company developed the RhoGAM vaccine. The vaccine prevented Rh hemolytic disease in newborns.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/rhogam-50-columbia-drug-still-saving-lives-newborns |title=RhoGAM at 50: A Columbia Drug Still Saving Lives of Newborns |website=Columbia University Irving Medical Center |date=February 22, 2018}}</ref>
In 1969, Ortho Diagnostics, a company subsidiary, launched the Sickledex Tube Test for detecting anemia.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Henry |first1=R. L. |last2=Nalbandian |first2=R. M. |last3=Nichols |first3=B. M. |last4=Camp |first4=F. R. |last5=Conte |first5=N. F. |last6=Wolf |first6=P. L. |date=April 1, 1971 |title=Modified Sickledex tube test: a specific test for S hemoglobin |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009912071915049 |journal=Clinical Biochemistry |language=en |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=196–207 |doi=10.1016/S0009-9120(71)91504-9 |pmid=5143535 |issn=0009-9120 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The same year, the FDA approved the Johnson & Johnson arterial graft.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/coronary-artery-bypass-graft-surgery |title=Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery |website=www.hopkinsmedicine.org |date=August 8, 2021}}</ref> In 1971, the company launched Hapindex Diagnostic Test, a rapid hepatitis B test for blood donors. The test was developed to prevent the spread of hepatitis B through blood transfusions.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Caul |first1=E. O. |last2=Roberts |first2=P. C. |date=December 1974 |title=An evaluation of low voltage counterimmuno-electrophoresis for the detection of hepatitis-B antigen (HB Ag) |journal=Journal of Clinical Pathology |volume=27 |issue=12 |pages=990–993 |doi=10.1136/jcp.27.12.990 |issn=0021-9746 |pmid=4156037 |pmc=475570}}</ref>
In the 1970s, Johnson & Johnson hired Henry N. Cobb from Pei Cobb Freed & Partners to design its new headquarters.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.docomomo-us.org/news/learning-from-our-late-modern-legacy |title=Learning from our Late-Modern Legacy |website=www.docomomo-us.org}}</ref> The firm designed Johnson & Johnson Plaza across the railroad tracks from the older section of the Johnson & Johnson campus.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Dorothea |first1=Berkhout |title=New Brunswick, New Jersey, The Decline and Revitalization of Urban America |last2=Listokin |first2=David |last3=Hughes |first3=James |publisher=Rutgers University Press |year=2016 |isbn=978-0813575148}}</ref>
In 1973, Richard Sellars became chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/27/business/27sellars.html |last=Abelson |first=Reed |title=Richard B. Sellars, Former Chief of Johnson & Johnson, Dies at 94 |work=The New York Times |date=June 27, 2010 | url-access=limited |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
In 1976, James E. Burke became the company's chairman and CEO.<ref name=":0" /> During Burke's tenure, he managed the 1982 Tylenol tampering incident. It became a case study on crisis management. Under his leadership, the company recalled 31 million bottles of Tylenol, relaunched the product with a triple tamper-evident seal, and urged consumers not to use if tampered with. These practices became the pharmaceutical and packaged food industry norm.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1982/11/12/tylenol-is-reintroduced-in-triple-sealed-package/1831aa9c-be08-4c93-a4de-b54e8c0428ed/ |title=Tylenol Is Reintroduced In Triple-Sealed Package |newspaper=The Washington Post|last=Hilts |first=Philip J. |date=November 12, 1982 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>
Johnson & Johnson opened operating companies in China and Egypt in 1985.<ref name=":0" /> In 1987, Acuvue contact lenses became the first disposable contact lenses available to consumers. The lenses lasted up to one week, reducing the cost of contact lenses. In the same year, the company launched One Touch, a blood glucose monitoring system.
In 1989, Ralph S. Larsen was appointed chairman and CEO of the company.<ref name=Timeline/><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/13/business/ralph-s-larsen-builder-of-giant-johnson-johnson-dies-at-77.html | title=Ralph S. Larsen, Builder of Giant Johnson & Johnson, Dies at 77 | first=Alexandra | last=Stevenson | work=The New York Times | date=March 13, 2016 | url-access=limited}}</ref>
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Johnson & Johnson expanded into eastern Europe. By 1991, the company had a presence in Hungary, Russia, the Czech Republic, and Poland. In the 1990s, the company acquired Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, Motrin, and Aveeno.<ref name=fu>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/johnson-johnson-history/|title=History of Johnson & Johnson | work=FundingUniverse}}</ref>
In 1997, Johnson & Johnson acquired Biosense Webster, based in Haifa.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/johnson-and-johnson-to-open-med-tech-incubator-in-israel/ | title=Johnson and Johnson to open med-tech incubator in Israel | first=David | last=Shamah | work=The Times of Israel | date=10 January 2014}}</ref>
DePuy was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 1998 for $3.5 billion.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jul-22-fi-5910-story.html | title=Johnson & Johnson Agrees to Buy DePuy | work=Los Angeles Times | date=July 22, 1998 | url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/22/business/international-business-johnson-johnson-to-buy-medical-device-maker.html | title=Johnson & Johnson to Buy Medical Device Maker | work=The New York Times | date=22 July 1998 | url-access=limited}}</ref>
===2000–2019=== William C. Weldon was appointed chairman and CEO of the company in 2002.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-johnsonjohnson-idUSTRE81K1YO20120221/ |title=Johnson & Johnson CEO Weldon to step down in April | first1=Bill | last1=Berkrot | first2=Michele | last2=Gershberg | first3=Anand | last3=Basu | first4=Susan | last4=Kelly | editor-first1=Richard | editor-last1=Chang | editor-first2=Bernard | editor-last2=Orr | editor-first3=Phil | editor-last3=Berlowitz | work=Reuters |date=February 21, 2012}}</ref>
In 2003, Ethicon launched Vicryl Plus Antibacterial Sutures. The products prevent post-surgery infection within stitches. In 2006, Johnson & Johnson acquired Pfizer's consumer healthcare business and merged it with its consumer healthcare business group. The acquisition added brands like Listerine, Bengay, and Neosporin to the company's portfolio.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.chiefmarketer.com/jj-buys-pfizer-consumer-healthcare-biz-for-16-6-billion/ |title=J&J Buys Pfizer Consumer Healthcare Biz for $16.6 Billion |website=Chief Marketer |date=June 27, 2006}}</ref> In the same year, Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Pharmaceuticals, launched Prezista, a protease inhibitor for patients with failed previous HIV therapies.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN04342271/ |title=AIDS drug Prezista performs well in new study | first=Will | last=Dunham | work=Reuters |date=April 4, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thepharmaletter.com/j-j-s-800mg-prezista-launched-in-uk |title=J&J's 800mg Prezista launched in UK |website=www.thepharmaletter.com | date=9 March 2009}}</ref>
In October 2008, the company acquired HealthMedia, later renamed to Health & Wellness Solutions and the Human Performance Institute.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/johnson-johnson-acquires-healthmedia-to-lower-health-care-costs/ | title=Johnson & Johnson acquires HealthMedia to lower health care costs | first=Don | last=Reisinger | work=CNET | date=October 29, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/johnson-johnson-establishes-wellness-prevention-platform-acquisition-of-healthmedia | title=Johnson & Johnson Establishes Wellness & Prevention Platform with Acquisition of HealthMedia | work=Questex | date=October 28, 2008}}</ref>
In December 2008, Johnson & Johnson acquired Mentor Corporation for $1 billion and merged its operations into Ethicon.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-johnsonjohnson-mentor-idUSTRE4B03JO20081201 |title=J&J to buy breast implant firm Mentor for $1.1 billion | first1=Lewis | last1=Krauskopf | first2=Susan | last2=Kelly | editor-first1=Derek | editor-last1=Caney | editor-first2=John | editor-last2=Wallace | work=Reuters |date=December 1, 2008}}</ref>
In October 2010, J&J acquired Crucell for $2.4 billion. The subsidiary operates as the centre for vaccines, within Johnson & Johnson pharmaceuticals business group.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.biopharminternational.com/view/johnson-johnson-acquires-vaccine-developer-crucell |title=Johnson & Johnson Acquires Vaccine Developer Crucell |website=BioPharm International |date=March 8, 2011}}</ref>
In April 2012, Alex Gorsky became chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnbcevents.com/speakers/alex-gorsky/ | title=Alex Gorsky | work=CNBC}}</ref>
In November 2015, Biosense Webster acquired Coherex Medical, expanding the company's range of treatment options for patients with atrial fibrillation.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.massdevice.com/jjs-biosense-webster-buys-coherex-medical/ |last=Perriello |first=Brad |title=J&J's Biosense Webster buys Coherex Medical and its WaveCrest anti-stroke device |website=MassDevice |date=November 20, 2015}}</ref>
In February 2017, Johnson & Johnson acquired Abbott Medical Optics from Abbott Laboratories for $4.325 billion, adding the new division into Johnson & Johnson Vision.<ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/johnson--johnson-completes-acquisition-of-abbott-medical-optics-300413727.html | title=Johnson & Johnson Completes Acquisition of Abbott Medical Optics | publisher=PR Newswire | date=February 27, 2017}}</ref>
In June 2017, Johnson & Johnson acquired Actelion in a $30 billion deal, the largest ever purchase by the company. After the purchase, Johnson & Johnson spun off Actelion's research and development unit into a separate legal entity.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-actelion-johnson-johnson-idUSKBN15A0KM/ |title=Johnson & Johnson refills drug cabinet with $30 billion Actelion deal | first1=John | last1=Miller | first2=Paul | last2=Arnold | first3=John | last3=Revill | first4=Silke | last4=Koltrowitz | first5=Ben | last5=Hirschler | first6=Rupert | last6=Pretterklieber | first7=Caroline | last7=Humer |work=Reuters |date=January 26, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/johnson--johnson-announces-completion-of-acquisition-of-actelion-300475040.html | title=Johnson & Johnson Announces Completion of Acquisition of Actelion | publisher=PR Newswire | date=June 16, 2017}}</ref>
In August 2017, Johnson & Johnson Vision acquired TearScience.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.biospace.com/johnson-and-johnson-vision-care-inc-to-acquire-tearscience-inc | title=Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. to Acquire TearScience, Inc. | work=BioSpace | date=August 7, 2017}}</ref>
In September 2017, the company acquired subscription-based contact lens startup Sightbox.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/johnson-johnson-acquires-contact-lens-service-sightbox-1505859269 | title=Johnson & Johnson Acquires Contact Lens Service Sightbox | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=September 19, 2017 | url-access=subscription}}</ref>
In September 2018, Johnson & Johnson Medical GmbH acquired Emerging Implant Technologies GmbH, manufacturer of 3D-printed titanium interbody implants for spinal fusion surgery.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Johnson & Johnson Medical GmbH Acquires Emerging Implant Technologies GmbH to Enhance Global Offering of Interbody Spine Implants |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/johnson--johnson-medical-gmbh-acquires-emerging-implant-technologies-gmbh-to-enhance-global-offering-of-interbody-spine-implants-300710822.html | publisher=PR Newswire | date=September 12, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.medtechdive.com/news/jj-buys-eit-for-3d-printed-titanium-spinal-implants/532249/ | title=J&J buys EIT for 3D-printed titanium spinal implants | first=Nick Paul | last=Taylor | work=Industry Dive | date=September 13, 2018}}</ref>
In March 2019, the FDA approved esketamine for the treatment of severe depression, which is marketed as Spravato by Janssen Pharmaceuticals.<ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-approves-new-nasal-spray-medication-for-treatment-resistant-depression-available-only-at-a-certified-doctors-office-or-clinic-300807354.html | title=FDA approves new nasal spray medication for treatment-resistant depression; available only at a certified doctor's office or clinic | publisher=PR Newswire | date=March 5, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.psychiatrist.com/news/fda-approves-spravato-nasal-spray-for-major-depressive-disorder/ |title=FDA Approves Spravato Nasal Spray for Major Depressive Disorder |website=Psychiatrist.com}}</ref>
In 2019, Johnson & Johnson began production of photochromic contact lenses. The lenses adjust to sunlight and help eyes recover from bright light exposure faster. The lenses contain a photochromic additive that adapts visible light amounts filtered to the eyes and are the first to use such additives.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.aao.org/education/headline/fda-clears-first-light-adaptive-contact-lenses | title=FDA clears first light-adaptive contact lenses | first=Anni | last=Griswold | work=American Academy of Ophthalmology | date=April 11, 2018}}</ref>
===2020: COVID-19 pandemic=== Johnson & Johnson committed over $1 billion toward the development of the not-for-profit Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).<ref name=collaborates>{{Cite news |title=J&J collaborates to accelerate COVID-19 vaccine development |url=https://njbiz.com/jj-collaborates-accelerate-covid-19-vaccine-development/ |last=Vecchione |first=Anthony |website=NJBIZ |date=March 13, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-johnson-johnson-vows-to-make-not-for-profit-vaccine-11966292 |title=Coronavirus: Johnson & Johnson vows to make 'not-for-profit' vaccine |website=Sky News | first=Sharon | last=Marris | date=31 March 2020}}</ref>
Janssen Vaccines, in partnership with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), developed the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine based on the same technology used to make its Ebola vaccine.<ref name=collaborates/><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/17/jj-hopes-to-start-human-trials-for-coronavirus-vaccine-in-november.html |title=J&J hopes to start human trials for coronavirus vaccine in November |last=Stankiewicz | first=Kevin | work=CNBC | date=March 17, 2020}}</ref><ref name=collaborates/>
Demand for Tylenol surged two to four times normal levels in March 2020. In response, the company increased production globally; the Tylenol plant in Puerto Rico operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-johnson-johnson-idUSKBN2162FU/ |title=J&J's Tylenol production at maximum capacity as coronavirus boosts demand | first=Michael | last=Erman | editor-first1=Franklin | editor-last1=Paul | editor-first2=Tom | editor-last2=Brown |work=Reuters |date=March 19, 2020}}</ref>
In response to the shortage of ventilators, Ethicon, with Prisma Health, made and distributed the VESper Ventilator Expansion Splitter, which uses 3D printing technology, to allow one ventilator to support two patients.<ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://prismahealth.org/patients-and-guests/news/press-release/prisma-health-collaborating-with-ethicon-and-johnson-johnson-to-manufacture-and-distribute-vesper%E2%84%A2 | title=Prisma Health collaborating with Ethicon and Johnson & Johnson to manufacture and distribute VESper Ventilator Expansion Splitter device | publisher=Prisma Health | date=April 6, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://sc.edu/uofsc/posts/2020/03/prisma_uofsc_collaboration_covid19.php | title=Prisma Health collaborates with UofSC on ventilator expansion device | first=David | last=Lee | work=University of South Carolina | date=April 20, 2020}}</ref>
In August 2020, the Federal government of the United States agreed to pay more than $1 billion to Johnson & Johnson for the production of 100 million doses of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.<ref>{{cite news |title=US to Pay Johnson and Johnson $1 Billion for COVID-19 Vaccine |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/covid-19-pandemic_us-pay-johnson-and-johnson-1-billion-covid-19-vaccine/6193967.html |work=Voice of America |date=August 5, 2020}}</ref> Johnson & Johnson and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) began clinical trials of J&J's vaccine in September 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Final testing stage for potential coronavirus vaccine set to begin in July |url=https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/501999-final-testing-stage-for-coronavirus-vaccine-could-begin-in-july-report |website=The Hill |last=Coleman |first=Justine |date=June 10, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.fiercepharma.com/vaccines/nih-preps-late-stage-studies-moderna-az-and-j-j-coronavirus-vaccines-wsj |title=Moderna, AstraZeneca and J&J coronavirus shots rev up for NIH tests beginning in July: WSJ | work=Questex |date=June 10, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.fiercepharma.com/vaccines/j-j-to-start-human-testing-covid-19-vaccine-next-week-exec |title=Johnson & Johnson to start human testing of COVID-19 vaccine next week | work=Questex |date=July 16, 2020}}</ref>
In September 2020, Johnson & Johnson started its 60,000-person phase 3 adenovirus-based vaccine trial.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Johnson & Johnson Initiates Pivotal Global Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Janssen's COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/johnson--johnson-initiates-pivotal-global-phase-3-clinical-trial-of-janssens-covid-19-vaccine-candidate-301136522.html | publisher=PR Newswire | date=September 23, 2020}}</ref> The trial was paused on October 12, 2020, because a volunteer became ill,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/10/12/world/coronavirus-covid |last1=Hughes |first1=Virginia |last2=Thomas |first2=Katie |last3=Zimmer |first3=Carl |last4=Wu |first4=Katherine J. |title=Johnson & Johnson halts coronavirus vaccine trial because of sick volunteer. |work=The New York Times |date=October 12, 2020 | url-access=limited |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> but the company said it found no evidence that the vaccine had caused the illness and announced on October 23, 2020, that it would resume the trial.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/jj-preparing-resume-us-trial-covid-19-vaccine-candidate-2020-10-23/ | title=J&J preparing to resume U.S. trial of COVID-19 vaccine candidate | first1=Dania | last1=Nadeem | first2=Vishwadha | last2=Chander | editor-first=Bill | editor-last=Berkrot | work=Reuters | date=October 23, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/astrazeneca-johnson-johnson-resume-late-stage-covid-19-vaccine-trials-n1244579 |last1=Edwards |first1=Erika |last2=Miller |first2=Sara G. |title=AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson resume late-stage Covid-19 vaccine trials |website=NBC News |date=October 23, 2020}}</ref>
===2020-present=== In November 2020, Johnson & Johnson acquired Momenta Pharmaceuticals for $6.5 billion.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/9ecd1edc-5709-4264-842b-3c7d2d75f801 |title=Johnson & Johnson to buy biotech Momenta in $6.5bn deal |work=Financial Times |date=August 19, 2020 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/9ecd1edc-5709-4264-842b-3c7d2d75f801 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In January 2022, Joaquin Duato became CEO of Johnson & Johnson.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/19/jj-names-joaquin-duato-as-ceo-effective-january-3-replacing-alex-gorsky.html |first1=Amanda | last1=Macias | first2=Berkeley Jr. | last2=Lovelace |title=J&J names Joaquin Duato as CEO effective Jan 3, replacing Alex Gorsky |work=CNBC | date=August 19, 2021}}</ref>
In December 2022, Johnson & Johnson acquired cardiovascular medical technology company Abiomed for $16.6 billion.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.abiomed.com/about-us/news-and-media/press-releases/johnson-and-johnson-completes-acquisition-of-abiomed |title=Johnson & Johnson Completes Acquisition of Abiomed |website=Abiomed |date=December 22, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.massdevice.com/johnson-johnson-completes-16-6b-abiomed-acquisition/|last=Whooley |first=Sean |title=Johnson & Johnson completes $16.6B Abiomed acquisition |website=MassDevice |date=December 22, 2022}}</ref>
Kenvue, the consumer products division of Johnson & Johnson that owned Neutrogena, Aveeno, Tylenol, Listerine, Johnson's, Band-Aid and other brands became a public company via an initial public offering in May 2023. At that time, Johnson & Johnson maintained a controlling stake of around 91%.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/bizwomen/news/latest-news/2022/09/johnson-johnson-unveils-rebrand-for-planned-cons.html |last=Stych |first=Anne |title=Johnson & Johnson unveils new name for planned consumer products spinoff | work=American City Business Journals |date=September 30, 2022 | url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/johnson-johnson-split-two-companies/|title=Johnson & Johnson to split into two companies |work=CBS News |date=November 12, 2021 |archive-date=2022-03-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330110642/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/johnson-johnson-split-two-companies/ | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/04/jj-kenvue-ipo-kvue-starts-trading-on-nyse.html |last=Constantino |first=Annika Kim | title=J&J's consumer-health spinoff Kenvue jumps 22% in public market debut | work=CNBC |date=May 4, 2023}}</ref> In July 2023, Johnson & Johnson launched an exchange offer to split-off Kenvue, reducing its stake to 9.5%.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/jj-begins-share-exchange-offer-consumer-health-spin-off-kenvue-2023-07-24/ |title=J&J starts share exchange offer for consumer health spin-off Kenvue | first=Bhanvi | last=Satija | editor-first1=Shounak | editor-last1=Dasgupta | editor-first2=Anil | editor-last2=D'Silva |work=Reuters |date=2023-07-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.massdevice.com/johnson-johnson-finalizes-kenvue-spilt-off/ |title=Johnson & Johnson finalizes Kenvue spilt-off |last=Whooley |first=Sean |website=MassDevice |date=August 23, 2023}}</ref> In 2024, Johnson & Johnson sold its remaining 9.5% stake in Kenvue.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/jj-sell-all-shares-spun-off-unit-kenvue-2024-05-13/ | title=J&J to exit spinoff Kenvue with latest stake sale | first1=Leroy | last1=Leo | first2=Pratik | last2=Jain | editor-first1=Shilpi | editor-last1=Majumdar | editor-first2=Sriraj | editor-last2= Kalluvila | work=Reuters | date=May 13, 2024}}</ref>
Johnson & Johnson holds a patent on the tuberculosis-treating drug bedaquiline, with secondary patents in at least 25 out of 43 countries with a high burden of tuberculosis blocking affordable generic versions of the drug, preventing millions of people from accessing the life-saving treatment.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/msf-jj-must-stop-blocking-generic-versions-lifesaving-tb-drug |title=MSF: J&J must stop blocking generic versions of lifesaving TB drug |website=Doctors Without Borders |date=April 26, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://thewire.in/health/johnson-and-johnson-patent-tuberculosis-drug-bedaquiline |title=J&J's Application to Extend Patent on Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Bedaquiline Rejected |website=The Wire |date=2023-03-23}}</ref> Though the patent was set to expire in many countries in 2023, Johnson & Johnson applied to extend the patent. In July 2023, Stop TB Partnership announced that after negotiations with Johnson & Johnson, it had been granted licenses to produce generic versions of the drug.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.stoptb.org/news/global-drug-facility-update-access-to-bedaquiline |title=Global Drug Facility Update on Access to Bedaquiline | work=Stop TB Partnership | date=13 July 2023}}</ref>
Johnson & Johnson acquired Ambrx Biopharma for $2 billion in January 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/08/jj-to-acquire-ambrx-biopharma-a-cancer-drug-developer.html |last=Constantino |first=Annika Kim |title=J&J to acquire cancer drug developer Ambrx Biopharma for $2 billion |work=CNBC |date=January 8, 2024}}</ref> Shockwave Medical for $13.1 billion in April 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/05/johnson-johnson-to-buy-shockwave-medical-for-12point5-billion.html |title=Johnson & Johnson boosts heart device business with $12.5 billion Shockwave Medical deal | work=CNBC |date=April 5, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/johnson-johnson-to-acquire-shockwave-medical |title=Johnson & Johnson to Acquire Shockwave Medical | work=Johnson & Johnson |date=April 5, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/health/pharma/johnson-johnson-to-buy-shockwave-medical-in-13-1-billion-deal-5c3a45ce |first1=Colin | last1=Kellaher | first2=Peter |last2=Loftus |title=Johnson & Johnson to Buy Shockwave Medical in $13.1 Billion Deal |work=The Wall Street Journal | date=April 5, 2024 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> and Proteologix for $850 million in May 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biospace.com/j-and-j-buys-proteologix-for-850m-secures-bispecific-antibodies-targeting-atopic-dermatitis |title=J&J Buys Proteologix for $850M, Bispecific Antibodies for Atopic Dermatitis |website=BioSpace |date=2024-05-16}}</ref>
In June 2024, Johnson & Johnson MedTech released Polyphonic, a digital surgical platform. The platform features surgery planning, surgical video, and telepresence services for laparoscopic surgeries.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.medtechdive.com/news/johnson-open-digital-platform-surgical-applications/719481 |title=J&J creates open digital platform for surgical applications | first=Nick Paul | last=Taylor | work=Industry Dive | date=June 21, 2024}}</ref>
In April 2025, Johnson & Johnson acquired Intra-Cellular Therapies, a company specializing in medications for behavioral disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder, for $14.6 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/13/jj-jnj-to-buy-intra-cellular-therapies-itci.html |title=J&J to buy neurological drugmaker Intra-Cellular for $14.6 billion |work=CNBC |date=January 13, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/jj-buy-intra-cellular-therapies-146-billion-2025-01-13/ |title=J&J doubles down on neurological drugs with $14.6 billion Intra-Cellular deal | first1=Puyaan | last1=Singh | first2=Bhanvi | last2=Satija | editor-first=Shilpi | editor-last=Majumdar | work=Reuters |date=January 13, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250402861736/en/Johnson-Johnson-Closes-Landmark-Intra-Cellular-Therapies-Inc.-Acquisition-to-Solidify-Neuroscience-Leadership | title=Johnson & Johnson Closes Landmark Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. Acquisition to Solidify Neuroscience Leadership | publisher=Business Wire | date=April 2, 2025}}</ref>
In November 2025, the company acquired Halda Therapeutics for $3.05 billion.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/jj-buys-halda-cell-death-tech-3b-acquisition-beefing-prostate-cancer | title=J&J buys into Halda's cell death tech with $3B acquisition, beefing up prostate cancer pipeline | first=Angus | last=Liu | work=Questex | date=November 17, 2025}}</ref>
In April 2026, the company acquired Atraverse Medical.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.morningstar.com/news/dow-jones/202604245429/johnson-johnson-to-acquire-atraverse-medical-to-bolster-cardiac-device-portfolio | title=Johnson & Johnson to Acquire Atraverse Medical to Bolster Cardiac Device Portfolio | first=Connor | last=Hart | work=Morningstar, Inc. | date=April 24, 2026}}</ref>
===Chairmen history=== * 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)<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/01/johnson-johnson-ceo-joaquin-duato-to-take-additional-role-of-chairman.html |title=Johnson & Johnson CEO Joaquin Duato to take additional role of chairman |website=CNBC |date=December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rivas |first=Kayla |title=J&J's new CEO Joaquin Duato: What to know |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/healthcare/jj-new-ceo-joaquin-duato-what-to-know |work=FOX Business |date=August 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Joaquin Duato to Take Over as Chief Executive Officer of Johnson & Johnson |url=https://njbmagazine.com/njb-news-now/joaquin-duato-to-take-over-as-chief-executive-officer-of-johnson-johnson/ |website=New Jersey Business Magazine | date=August 23, 2021}}</ref>
==Business segments== {{Hatnote|For specific Johnson & Johnson products, see List of Johnson & Johnson products and services}} The company's business is divided into two business segments: Innovative Medicine and MedTech.
Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LLC (JJI) is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.<ref name=innovation>{{Cite web |url=https://jnjinnovation.com/home |title=Innovation Centers | work=Johnson & Johnson Innovation |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228003425/https://jnjinnovation.com//home |url-status=live}}</ref> JJI focuses on early-stage, life science, and technology innovations to advance the company's research and development pipeline.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/jjs-rd-units-move-200k-sq-ft-facility-strengthen-bay-area-presence |last=Waldron |first=James |title=Johnson & Johnson opens 400-person R&D facility to strengthen Bay Area presence | work=Questex |date=September 20, 2022}}</ref> JJI provides startups with sourcing, infrastructure, and capital equipment at JLABS, financing & venture capital at JJDC, Inc., and collaborations leading to the potential development of medical device technologies, pharmaceuticals, and therapeutics.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/jjs-rd-units-move-200k-sq-ft-facility-strengthen-bay-area-presence |last=Waldron |first=James |title=Johnson & Johnson opens 400-person R&D facility to strengthen Bay Area presence | work=Questex |date=September 20, 2022}}</ref> There are 4 JJI Innovation Centers located in London,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Levin |first=Jennifer |title=Johnson & Johnson Announces Opening of London Innovation Centre |url=https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/johnson-johnson-announces-opening-of-london-innovation-centre| work=Questex |date=March 13, 2013}}</ref> Shanghai, Boston (Cambridge),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bu.edu/articles/2019/stoping-lung-cancer-before-it-starts/ |title=What If We Could Stop Lung Cancer Before It Starts? | first=Sara | last=Rimer |website=Boston University | date=April 23, 2019}}</ref> and the San Francisco Bay Area. There are 13 JLABS incubators located in the Bay Area (San Francisco and South San Francisco),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/johnson-johnson-research-facility-open-san-francisco/632237/ |title=J&J opens new research hub near San Francisco | first=Delilah | last=Alvarado | work=Industry Dive | date=September 20, 2022}}</ref> Belgium (Beerse), Boston (Cambridge and Lowell), Houston (TMC),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medical-devices/j-j-to-create-new-texas-center-to-develop-breakthrough-med-tech |last=Lawrence |first=Stacy |title=J&J to create new Texas center to develop 'breakthrough' med tech | work=Questex |date=October 18, 2016}}</ref> New York City, Philadelphia, San Diego, Shanghai, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.<ref name=innovation/>
{| class="wikitable" |+Johnson & Johnson business segments ! Innovative Medicine<ref name="Pharmaceutical Products">{{Cite web|url=https://www.jnj.com/innovativemedicine/|title=J&J Innovative Medicine|website=Content Lab – U.S.}}</ref>!! MedTech<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |title=MedTech |url=https://www.jnj.com/healthcare-products/medtech |website=Johnson & Johnson MedTech}}</ref> |- |Immunology<br />Cardiovascular & metabolic disease<br />Pulmonary hypertension<br />Infectious diseases & vaccines<br />Neuroscience<br />Oncology||Interventional solutions<br />Orthopaedics<br />Surgery (general & advanced)<br />Vision |}
===Innovative Medicine=== {{Main|Janssen Pharmaceuticals}}
The Innovative Medicine (formerly known as pharmaceuticals) segment is focused on six therapeutic areas: immunology (rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis); infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS); neuroscience (mood disorders, neurodegenerative disorders and schizophrenia); oncology (solid tumours including lung cancer, prostate cancer and bladder cancer, and hematologic malignancies); cardiovascular, metabolism, retina (thrombosis and diabetes), and pulmonary hypertension (pulmonary arterial hypertension).<ref name="Pharmaceutical Products" /><ref name=10K/>
===MedTech=== The Cardiovascular & Specialty Solutions Group includes electrophysiology products that diagnose and treat cardiac arrhythmias; devices used in the endovascular treatment of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke; solutions that focus on breast reconstruction and aesthetics, and ear, nose and throat procedures.<ref name=10K/>
The DePuy Synthes orthopaedics portfolio is composed of specialties including joint reconstruction, trauma, extremities, craniomaxillofacial, spinal surgery and sports medicine, in addition to the VELYS digital surgery portfolio.<ref name=10K/>
The Ethicon surgery portfolio includes advanced surgical innovations and solutions such as sutures, staplers, energy devices, and advanced hemostats along with interventional ablation, surgical robotics, and digital solutions.<ref name=10K/>
The Johnson & Johnson Vision portfolio includes contact lenses, intraocular lens, automated treatment for dry eye, and four brands of laser vision correction systems.<ref name=10K/>
==Corporate affairs== {| class="wikitable floatright" |+Sales by region (2024)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/JOHNSON-JOHNSON-4832/company/ |title=Johnson & Johnson: Shareholders Board Members Managers and Company Profile {{!}} US4781601046 | work=MarketScreener}}</ref> !Region !share |- |United States |56.63% |- |Europe |22.76% |- |Asia-Pacific, Africa |15.3% |- |Western Hemisphere (without US) |5.31% |}
===Financials=== {| class="wikitable float-left" style="text-align: right;" !Year !Revenue<br />in million US$ !Net income<br />in million US$ !Employees<ref>{{Cite web |title=Johnson & Johnson: Number of Employees 2010-2024 {{!}} JNJ |url=https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/JNJ/johnson-johnson/number-of-employees |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=www.macrotrends.net}}</ref> |- |2005 |50,514 |10,060 |115,600 |- |2006 |53,324 |11,053 |122,200 |- |2007 |61,095 |10,576 |119,200 |- |2008 |63,747 |12,949 |118,700 |- |2009 |61,897 |12,266 |115,500 |- |2010 |61,587 |13,334 |114,000 |- |2011 |65,030 |9,672 |117,900 |- |2012 |67,224 |10,853 |127,600 |- |2013 |71,312 |13,831 |128,100 |- |2014 |74,331 |16,323 |126,500 |- |2015 |70,074 |15,409 |127,100 |- |2016 |71,890 |16,540 |126,400 |- |2017 |76,450 |1,300 |155,000 |- |2018 |81,581 |15,297 |134,000 |- |2019 |82,059 |15,119 |132,200 |- |2020 |82,584 |14,714 |134,500 |- |2021 |93,775 |20,878 |141,700 |- |2022 |79,990 |17,941 |155,800 |- |2023 |85,159 |35,153 |131,900 |- |2024 |88,821 |14,066 |138,100 |- |2025 |94,193 |26,804 |138,200 |}
===Board of directors=== The members of the board of directors of Johnson & Johnson are:<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.investor.jnj.com/governance/corporate-governance-overview/default.aspx |title=Governance - Corporate governance overview | work=Johnson & Johnson}}</ref> * Joaquin Duato * Mary Beckerle * Jennifer Doudna * Marillyn Hewson * Paula Johnson * Hubert Joly * Mark McClellan * John Morikis * Daniel Pinto * Mark Weinberger * Nadja West * Eugene Woods
===Environmental record=== In 2017, Johnson & Johnson was ranked 10th on the "Green Rankings" by ''Newsweek''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newsweek.com/green-rankings-2017-18 | title=GREEN RANKING 2017 | work=Newsweek}}</ref>
In 2020, the company agreed to spend $800 million to change its packaging to make it more sustainable by using only recyclable, reusable or compostable plastic, and recycled paper and pulp-based packaging.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/johnson-johnson-consumer-health-packaging-sustainability/586741/ | title=Caps and pumps: Johnson & Johnson’s packaging changes put it on the path to a circular supply chain | first=Deborah Abrams | last=Kaplan | work=Industry Dive | date=October 13, 2020}}</ref>
Johnson & Johnson operates a 75 kilowatt solar electric system in Spring House, Pennsylvania.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/solar/pharmaceutical-group-installs-pennsylvania-pv-system-6717/ | title=Pharmaceutical Group Installs Pennsylvania PV System | work=Renewable Energy World | date=June 17, 2002}}</ref>
Independent climate-data platforms show that most of Johnson & Johnson’s emissions come from its supply chain rather than from its own buildings. Tracenable and DitchCarbon estimate that "purchased goods and services" – the production of medicines, medical devices and packaging that J&J buys – accounts for about 72% of its Scope 3 emissions, roughly 4.8 million metric tons of CO₂e per year.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tracenable.com/company/johnson-and-johnson/ghg-emissions |title=Johnson & Johnson - Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Scope 1, 2 & 3 Data |website=Tracenable}}</ref> This matches wider health-care research finding that about 70% of the sector’s climate footprint is embedded in global supply chains for drugs, equipment and other goods.{{citation needed|date=December 2025}}
===Contributions=== Johnson & Johnson has provided funding to nonprofit organizations including the Institute for Advanced Study,<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Simonyi |first1=Charles |last2=Dijkgraaf |first2=Robbert |date=2018 |title=Report for the Academic Year 2017–2018 |url=https://www.ias.edu/sites/default/files/documents/publications/Annual%20Report%2017%E2%80%9318%20web.pdf |website=Institute for Advanced Study |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531231144/https://www.ias.edu/sites/default/files/documents/publications/Annual%20Report%2017%E2%80%9318%20web.pdf |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> the Human Rights Campaign, <ref>{{Cite web |title=Corporate Partners |url=https://www.hrc.org/about/corporate-partners |website=Human Rights Campaign |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714072833/https://www.hrc.org/about/corporate-partners |archive-date=July 14, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Women Deliver,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=Kelsi |title=Our Supporters |url=https://womendeliver.org/about/our-supporters/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719045621/https://womendeliver.org/about/our-supporters/ |archive-date=July 19, 2022 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |website=Women Deliver |language=en-US}}</ref> the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH),<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Donors |url=https://2020-annual-report.fnih.org/donors/ | work=Foundation for the National Institutes of Health |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402180716/https://2020-annual-report.fnih.org/donors/ |archive-date=April 2, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> the Pandemic Action Network,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our Network |website=Pandemic Action Network |url=https://www.pandemicactionnetwork.orghttps//www.pandemicactionnetwork.org/our-network/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724022128/https://www.pandemicactionnetwork.org/our-network/ |archive-date=July 24, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> and the C. D. Howe Institute.<ref>{{Cite web |last=C. D. Howe Institute |title=Annual Report 2019 |url=https://www.cdhowe.org/sites/default/files/attachments/annual_reports/pdf/2019%20AR_English.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608160431/https://www.cdhowe.org/sites/default/files/attachments/annual_reports/pdf/2019%20AR_English.pdf |archive-date=June 8, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Recalls and litigation== ===1982 Chicago Tylenol murders=== {{Main|Chicago Tylenol murders}}
On September 29, 1982, a "Tylenol scare" began when the first of seven individuals died in Chicago metropolitan area, after ingesting Extra Strength Tylenol that had been deliberately laced with cyanide.<ref name=recall/> Within a week, the company pulled 31 million bottles of capsules back from retailers, making it one of the first major recalls in American history.<ref name=recall>{{Cite news |work=The New York Times | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/23/your-money/23iht-mjj_ed3_.html | title=Tylenol made a hero of Johnson & Johnson : The recall that started them all | date=March 23, 2002 | author-first1=Judith |author-last1=Rehak}}</ref> The incident led to reforms in the packaging of over-the-counter substances and to federal anti-tampering laws. The case remains unsolved and no suspects have been charged. Johnson & Johnson's quick response, including a nationwide recall, was widely praised by public relations experts and the media and was the gold standard for corporate crisis management.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-feb-11-la-fi-lazarus11-2010feb11-story.html | title=Toyota, what's so hard about doing the right thing? | work=Los Angeles Times | date=February 11, 2010 | url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://time.com/3423136/tylenol-deaths-1982/ | title=How Poisoned Tylenol Became a Crisis-Management Teaching Model | first=Jennifer | last=Latson | work=Time | date=September 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/23/your-money/23iht-mjj_ed3_.html | title=Tylenol made a hero of Johnson & Johnson : The recall that started them all | first=Judith | last=Rehak | work=The New York Times | date=March 23, 2002 | url-access=limited}}</ref>
===2010 children's product recall=== {{Main|2010 Johnson & Johnson children's product recall}}
In April 2010, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, voluntarily recalled 43 over-the-counter children's medicines, including Tylenol, Tylenol Plus, Motrin, Zyrtec and Benadryl. The recall was conducted after a routine inspection at a manufacturing facility in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, United States, revealed that some "products may not fully meet the required manufacturing specifications".<ref name=recalls/><ref name=Warning/> Affected products may contain a "higher concentration of active ingredients" or exhibit other manufacturing defects.<ref name=Warning>{{cite news | url=https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/local/2010/05/05/johnson-johnson-shuts-down-medication-plant-after-recall-fda-criticism/31755906007/ | title=Johnson & Johnson shuts down medication plant after recall, FDA criticism | agency=Associated Press | work=The Gainesville Sun | date=May 5, 2010}}</ref> Products shipped to Canada, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Guam, Guatemala, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Fiji were included in the recall.<ref name=recalls>{{Cite news | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2010/5/1/us-firm-recalls-childrens-drugs | title=US firm recalls children's drugs |work=Al Jazeera English | date=May 1, 2010}}</ref><ref name=Warning/> A dedicated website was established by the company listing affected products and other consumer information.<ref name=Warning/>
===2010 hip-replacement recall=== {{Main|2010 DePuy Hip Recall}}
In August 2010, DePuy Synthes, a division of Johnson & Johnson, recalled its ASR (articular surface replacement) hip prostheses from the market. DePuy said the recall was due to unpublished National Joint Registry data showing a 12% revision rate for resurfacing at five years and an ASR XL revision rate of 13%. All hip prostheses fail in some patients, but it is expected that the rate will be about 1% a year.<ref>{{Cite journal | url=https://www.bmj.com/content/342/bmj.d2905.full | title=Out of joint: The story of the ASR | first=Deborah |last=Cohen | journal=The BMJ | date=May 14, 2011}}</ref>
Pathologically, the failing prosthesis had several effects. Metal debris from wear of the implant led to a reaction that destroyed the soft tissues surrounding the joint, leaving some patients with long term disability. Ions of cobalt and chromium{{snd}}the metals from which the implant was made{{snd}}were also released into the blood and cerebrospinal fluid in some patients.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/metal-metal-hip-implants/concerns-about-metal-metal-hip-implants | title=Concerns about Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants | work=Food and Drug Administration}}</ref>
In March 2013, a jury in Los Angeles ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay more than $8.3{{nbs}}million in damages to a Montana man in the first related case.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/09/business/johnson-johnson-must-pay-in-first-hip-implant-case.html | vauthors=Meier B |title=J.&J. Loses First Case Over Faulty Hip Implant |newspaper=The New York Times |date=March 8, 2013 | url-access=limited}}</ref>
The issue was estimated to affect 8,000 patients in the U.S. In November 2013, the company announced a settlement of the issue in the U.S., estimating a cost of $2.5 billion.<ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/depuy-announces-us-settlement-agreement-to-compensate-asr-hip-system-patients-who-had-surgery-to-replace-their-asr-hip-232564821.html | title=DePuy Announces U.S. Settlement Agreement to Compensate ASR™ Hip System Patients Who Had Surgery to Replace Their ASR Hip | publisher=PR Newswire | date=November 19, 2013}}</ref>
===2010 Tylenol recall=== In 2010 and 2011, Johnson & Johnson voluntarily recalled some over-the-counter products, including Tylenol, due to an odor caused by 2,4,6-Tribromoanisole, which was used to treat wooden pallets on which product packaging materials were transported and stored.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2010/07/09/128405568/tylenol-recall-of-drugs-with-moldy-odor-expands-again | title=Johnson & Johnson Expands Recall Of Drugs With Moldy Odor | first=April | last=Fulton | work=NPR | date=July 9, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.in.gov/health/food-protection/files/McNeil_Comsumer_Healthcare_Announces_Voluntary_Recall.pdf |title=McNeil Consumer Healthcare Announces Voluntary Recall Of One Product Lot Of TYLENOL® Extra Strength Caplets 225 Count Distributed In The U.S. |website=Government of Indiana | date=June 30, 2011}}</ref>
===Shareholders lawsuit=== In 2010, a group of shareholders sued the board for allegedly failing to take action to prevent serious failings and illegalities since the 1990s, including manufacturing problems, bribing officials, covering up adverse effects and misleading marketing for unapproved uses. In 2012, Johnson and Johnson proposed a settlement with the shareholders, whereby the company would institute new oversight, quality and compliance procedures binding for five years.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/200406/000020040612000115/a201207168-kexhibit992stip.htm | title=STIPULATION AND AGREEMENT OF SETTLEMENT | work=United States District Court for the District of New Jersey | via=United States Securities and Exchange Commission | year=2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/johnson--johnson-provides-notice-of-proposed-settlement-of-shareholder-derivative-actions-final-settlement-hearing-and-right-to-appear-163086186.html | title=Johnson & Johnson Provides Notice Of Proposed Settlement Of Shareholder Derivative Actions, Final Settlement Hearing, And Right To Appear | publisher=PR Newswire | date=July 19, 2012}}</ref>
===Illegal marketing of Risperdal=== In November 2013, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay $2.2 billion to resolve criminal and civil liability arising from allegations relating to Risperdal, Invega, and Natrecor, including promotion for uses not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and payment of kickbacks to physicians and to long-term care pharmacy providers. The settlement amount includes criminal fines and forfeiture totaling $485 million and civil settlements with the federal government and states totaling $1.72 billion.<ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/johnson-johnson-pay-more-22-billion-resolve-criminal-and-civil-investigations | title=Johnson & Johnson to Pay More Than $2.2 Billion to Resolve Criminal and Civil Investigations | publisher=United States Department of Justice | date=November 4, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2013/11/04/242989557/risperdal-johnson-johnson-to-pay-2-2-billion-in-marketing-settlement | title=Johnson & Johnson To Pay $2.2 Billion In Marketing Settlement | first=Scott | last=Hensley | work=NPR | date=November 4, 2013}}</ref> States that have awarded damages include Texas ($158{{nbs}}million), South Carolina ($327{{nbs}}million), Louisiana ($258{{nbs}}million), and Arkansas ($1.2{{nbs}}billion).<ref>{{Cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/12/business/drug-giant-is-fined-1-2-billion-in-arkansas.html | title=J.&J. Fined $1.2{{nbs}}Billion in Drug Case| work=The New York Times | first=Katie | last=Thomas | date=April 11, 2012 | url-access=limited}}</ref>
In 2010, the United States Department of Justice joined a whistleblowers suit accusing the company of illegally marketing Risperdal through Omnicare, the largest company supplying pharmaceuticals to nursing homes.<ref name="Hilzenrath">{{Cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/15/AR2010011503903.html | last=Hilzenrath | first=David S. | title=Justice suit accuses Johnson & Johnson of paying kickbacks | newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 16, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | last=Singer | first=Natasha |title=Johnson & Johnson Accused of Drug Kickbacks |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/16/business/16drug.html |work=The New York Times |date=January 15, 2010 | url-access=limited}}</ref> The allegations include that J&J were warned by the FDA to not promote Risperdal as effective and safe for elderly patients, but it did so, and that it paid Omnicare to promote the drug to care home physicians.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-11/j-j-said-to-pay-2-2-billion-to-end-risperdal-sales-probe.html | title=J&J Said to Agree to $2.2{{nbs}}Billion Drug Marketing Accord | work=Bloomberg News | first1=Margaret | last1=Cronin Fisk | first2=Jef | last2=Feeley | first3=David | last3=Voreacos | date=June 11, 2012 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> The settlement was finalized on November 4, 2013, with J&J agreeing to pay a penalty of around $2.2{{nbs}}billion, "including criminal fines and forfeiture totaling $485{{nbs}}million and civil settlements with the federal government and states totaling $1.72{{nbs}}billion".<ref name="DOH2013">{{Cite press release |url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/johnson-johnson-pay-more-22-billion-resolve-criminal-and-civil-investigations |title=Johnson & Johnson to Pay More Than $2.2 Billion to Resolve Criminal and Civil Investigations |publisher=United States Department of Justice |date=November 4, 2015}}</ref>
Johnson & Johnson has also been subject to congressional investigations related to payments given to psychiatrists to promote its products and ghost write articles, notably Joseph Biederman and his pediatric bipolar disorder research unit.<ref>{{Cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/25/health/25psych.html | title=Research Center Tied to Drug Company | first=Gardiner | last=Harris | work=The New York Times | date=25 November 2008}}</ref>
===Foreign bribery=== In 2011, J&J settled litigation brought by the US Securities and Exchange Commission under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and paid around $70M in disgorgement and fines.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/enforcement-litigation/litigation-releases/lr-21922 |title=Johnson & Johnson | publisher=United States Securities and Exchange Commission | date=April 8, 2011}}</ref> J&J's employees had given kickbacks and bribes to doctors in Greece, Poland, and Romania to obtain business selling drugs and medical devices and had bribed officials in Iraq to win contracts under the Oil for Food program.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-jj-bribery-idUSTRE7374ZB20110408/ |title=J&J settles U.S., UK bribery, kickback charges | first1=Jeremy | last1=Pelofsky | first2=Lewis | last2=Krauskopf | editor-first1=Lisa | editor-last1=Von Ahn | editor-first2=Phil | editor-last2=Berlowitz | editor-first3=Matthew | editor-last3=Lewis | work=Reuters |date=April 8, 2011}}</ref> J&J fully cooperated with the investigation once the problems came to light.<ref>{{Cite news |title=SEC Charges Johnson & Johnson With Foreign Bribery |url=https://www.sec.gov/news/press/2011/2011-87.htm | publisher=United States Securities and Exchange Commission |date=April 7, 2011}}</ref>
===Consumer fraud settlements=== In May 2017, J&J reached an agreement to pay $33{{nbs}}million to several states to settle consumer fraud allegations in some of the company's over-the-counter drugs.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/johnsonjohnson-settlement/jj-settles-drug-manufacturing-probe-by-u-s-states-for-33-mln-idUSL1N1IQ218/ |title=J&J settles drug manufacturing probe by U.S. states for $33 mln | first=Nate | last=Raymond | work=Reuters | date=May 24, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/jj-settles-otc-manufacturing-issue-for-33m/443592/ | title=J&J settles OTC manufacturing issue for $33M | first=Ned | last=Pagliarulo | work=Industry Dive | date=May 25, 2017}}</ref>
===Use of the Red Cross symbol=== {{Further|Emblems of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement#Use of the emblems}} [[File:Flag of the Red Cross.svg|thumb|150px|Flag of the Red Cross]]
Johnson & Johnson registered the Red Cross as a U.S. trademark for "medicinal and surgical plasters" in 1905 and has used the design since 1887.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=71013666|title=Trademark Status & Document Retrieval|work=uspto.gov}}</ref> The Geneva Conventions, which reserved the Red Cross emblem for specific uses, were first approved in 1864 and ratified by the United States in 1882. However, the emblem was not protected by U.S. law for the use of the American Red Cross (ARC) and the U.S. military until after Johnson & Johnson had obtained its trademark. A clause in this law (now 18 U.S.C. 706) permits this pre-existing use of the Red Cross to continue.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/print?version=July2015&href=TMEP-1200d1e4447.html |title=1205.01 Statutory Protection |website=tmep.uspto.gov | date=July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sturges |first=Wesley |date=1957 |title=The Legal Status of the Red Cross |url=https://repository.law.umich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6915&context=mlr |journal=Michigan Law Review |volume=56 |issue=1 |pages=24–25 |doi=10.2307/1285901 |jstor=1285901 |via=Michigan Law Scholarship Repository |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.govregs.com/uscode/title18_partI_chapter33_section706 |title=§ 706. Red Cross |website=GovRegs}}</ref>
<!-- Please do NOT insert any further assertions that continued Johnson & Johnson use of the Red Cross violates the Geneva Conventions; as a the paragraph below states, the U.S. specifically excluded that application of the Geneva Conventions thru a reservation. --> A declaration made by the U.S. upon its ratification of the 1949 Geneva Conventions includes a reservation that pre-1905 U.S. domestic uses of the Red Cross, such as Johnson & Johnson's, would remain lawful as long as the cross is not used on "aircraft, vessels, vehicles, buildings or other structures, or upon the ground", i.e., uses which could be confused with its military uses. This means that the U.S. did not agree to any interpretation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions that would overrule Johnson & Johnson's trademark. The American Red Cross continues to recognize the validity of Johnson & Johnson's trademark.
In August 2007, Johnson & Johnson filed a lawsuit against the American Red Cross, demanding that the charity halt the use of the red cross symbol on products it sells to the public, though the company takes no issue with the charity's use of the mark for nonprofit purposes.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.cnbc.com/2007/08/09/johnson-johnson-sues-red-cross-over-use-of-emblem.html | title=Johnson & Johnson Sues Red Cross Over Use of Emblem | agency=Associated Press | work=CNBC | date=August 9, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB118662527980592590 | title=Red Cross Is Sued by J&J Over Signature Emblem | first1=Sally | last1=Beatty | first2=Avery | last2=Johnson | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=August 9, 2007 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> In May 2008, the judge in the case dismissed most of Johnson & Johnson's claims, and, a month later, the two organizations settled the case, allowing both parties to use the symbol.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/18/business/18cross.html | title=Claim Over Red Cross Symbol Is Settled |work=The New York Times | date=June 18, 2008 | vauthors=Saul S |author-link1=Stephanie Saul}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/us/jj-american-red-cross-settle-emblem-dispute-idUSN17377193/ | title=J&J, American Red Cross settle emblem dispute | first=Bill | last=Berkrot | editor-first=Mark | editor-last=Porter | work=Reuters | date=June 17, 2008}}</ref>
===Boston Scientific lawsuits=== {{Update section|date=May 2026}} Since 2003, Johnson & Johnson and Boston Scientific have both claimed that the other had infringed on their patents covering heart stent medical devices. The litigation was settled when Boston Scientific agreed to pay $716{{nbs}}million to Johnson & Johnson in September 2009 and an additional $1.73{{nbs}}billion in February 2010.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704107204575039430685168478 | title=Boston Scientific to Pay J&J $1.73B to Settle Stent Patent Disputes | first=Jon | last=Kamp | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=February 2, 2010 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> Their dispute was renewed in 2014, now on the grounds of a contract dispute.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-johnson-johnson-boston-scient-trial-idUSKCN0J30CS20141119 | title=J&J seeks over $5{{nbs}}billion in damages from Boston Scientific at trial | first=Joseph | last=Ax | editor-first1=David | editor-last1=Ingram | editor-first2=Grant | editor-last2=McCool | work=Reuters | date=November 19, 2014}}</ref>
===Humira patent-infringement case against Abbott=== In 2007, Johnson & Johnson sued Abbott Laboratories over the development and sale of Humira, claiming Abbott used technology licensed exclusively to Johnson & Johnson's Centocor division. Johnson & Johnson won the court case, and in 2009 Abbott was ordered to pay Johnson & Johnson $1.17{{nbs}}billion in lost revenues and $504{{nbs}}million in royalties.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/abbott-loses-167-billion-patent-case-to-jj | title=Abbott loses $1.67 billion patent case to J&J | first=John | last=Letzing | work=MarketWatch | date=June 29, 2009 | url-access=limited}}</ref> The judge also added $175.6{{nbs}}million in interest to bring the total to $1.84{{nbs}}billion, at the time the largest patent-infringement award in U.S. history.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-11-02/abbott-challenges-1-67-billion-patent-loss-to-j-j-over-arthritis-therapy.html | title=Abbott Challenges $1.67{{nbs}}billion Patent Loss to J&J Over Humira | work=Bloomberg News | date=November 2, 2010 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> In 2010, Abbott appealed the verdict and in 2011, it won the appeal.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2011-02-23/j-j-s-1-67-billion-patent-ruling-against-abbott-reversed-by-appeals-court | title=Abbott Wins Reversal of J&J's $1.67 Billion Patent Victory | first=Susan | last=Decker | work=Bloomberg News | date=February 23, 2011 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> The United States Supreme Court elected not to hear the case.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.fiercepharma.com/legal/abbott-prevails-as-supremes-pass-on-j-j-patent-suit | title=Abbott prevails as Supremes pass on J&J patent suit | first=Tracy | last=Staton | work=Questex | date=February 22, 2012}}</ref>
===Vaginal mesh implants=== Tens of thousands of women worldwide have taken legal action against Johnson & Johnson after suffering serious complications following a vaginal mesh implant procedure.<ref name="cbsnews.com">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/states-file-lawsuit-against-johnson-johnson-over-pelvic-mesh-implants/ |title=States file lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson over pelvic mesh implants | work=CBS News |date=May 25, 2016}}</ref> In Australia, more than 700 women began a class action against the company in the Federal Court of Australia in 2017, telling the court they "suffered irreparable, debilitating pain after the devices began to erode into surrounding tissue and organs, causing infections and complications". The class action alleged that Johnson & Johnson, which "aggressively marketed" the implants "failed to properly warn patients and surgeons of the risk, or test the devices adequately".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jul/04/vaginal-mesh-risks-downplayed-by-johnson-johnson-court-told|title=Vaginal mesh risks downplayed by Johnson & Johnson, court told | vauthors=Knaus C |date=July 4, 2017|website=The Guardian}}</ref> Emails between executives show the company was aware of the risks in 2005 but still went ahead and made the product available.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/nov/27/vaginal-mesh-implant-sold-despite-warnings-could-cause-pain-johnson-johnson |title=Pharma giant sold mesh implant despite pain warnings| vauthors=Devlin H |work=The Guardian |date=November 27, 2018 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In November 2019 the Federal Court of Australia found Johnson & Johnson negligent.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/healthcare-and-fitness/johnson-and-johnson-to-pay-pelvic-mesh-victims-record-300m-settlement-20220912-p5bhco |title=Johnson & Johnson to pay pelvic mesh victims record $300m settlement |website=Australian Financial Review |date=September 12, 2022}}</ref> The judgment was appealed, with the appeals court upholding all findings of Justice Anna Katzmann.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=8da9bd1e-7799-4525-a686-12803a416713 |last1=King |last2=Madar |first2=Wood Mallesons-Suzy |last3=McDonnell |first3=Justin |last4=Saville |first4=Moira |last5=Stevenson |first5=Peta |last6=Swinn |first6=Matthew |title=Appeal in Ethicon pelvic mesh class action – what risks need to be disclosed? |website=Lexology |date=March 9, 2021}}</ref> Ethicon then sought a High Court decision but this was not permitted by the High Court of Australia. Subsequently (September 2022) a A$300,000,000 compensation agreement was reached between Shine Lawyers and J&J but this agreement remains subject to approval by the Federal Court of Australia.<ref name=":2" />
In 2016, California and Washington filed a lawsuit against the company, accusing it of deception.<ref name="cbsnews.com" /> In October 2019, the company and its subsidiary, Ethicon, reached a settlement with 41 states and the District of Columbia, with no admission of liability, in a suit alleging deceptive marketing of transvaginal surgical-mesh devices. The suit also alleges that the company failed to disclose risks associated with the product, which J&J pulled from the US market in 2012. The amount settled in the suit was about $117{{nbs}}million.<ref>{{cite news | vauthors=Sebastian D |title=Johnson & Johnson to Pay $117{{nbs}}Million Over Surgical Device Marketing |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/johnson-johnson-to-pay-117-million-over-surgical-device-marketing-11571334613 |work=The Wall Street Journal |publisher=Dow Jones and Company |date=October 17, 2019 |location=New York}}</ref>
===Cancer links to talc-based baby powder=== Johnson & Johnson has been the subject of over 60,000 lawsuits claiming that its baby powder causes ovarian cancer.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/johnson-baby-powder-ovarian-cancer-b2700095.html |title=Johnson & Johnson begins battle over $10 billion case linking baby powder to cancer |website=The Independent |date=2025-02-18}}</ref> The lawsuits focus on claims that the talc-based powder is contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen commonly found in places where talc is mined.<ref name=Nixes>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-01/j-j-must-pay-2-1-billion-talc-award-as-top-court-rejects-appeal |last1=Stohr |first1=Greg |last2=Feeley |first2=Jef |title=J&J to Pay $2.1 Billion Talc Award as Top Court Nixes Appeal |work=Bloomberg News |date=June 1, 2021 | url-access=subscription}}</ref>
In 2016, J&J was ordered to pay $72{{nbs}}million in damages to the family of Jacqueline Fox, a 62-year-old woman who died of ovarian cancer in 2015. The company said it would appeal.<ref name="BBC">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-35648252 |title=Johnson & Johnson hit with $72m damages in talc-cancer case |work=BBC News |date=February 24, 2016}}</ref> A year later, over 1,000 U.S. women had sued J&J for covering up the possible cancer risk from its Baby Powder product. The company says that 70% of its Baby Powder is used by adults.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-baby-powder-cancer-lawsuits/ | title=Johnson & Johnson Has a Baby Powder Problem | work=Bloomberg News | date=March 31, 2016 | url-access=subscription}}</ref> Later that year, a California jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $417{{nbs}}million to a woman who claimed she developed ovarian cancer after using the company's talc-based products like Johnson's Baby Powder for feminine hygiene. The verdict included $70{{nbs}}million in compensatory damages and $347{{nbs}}million in punitive damages. J&J said it would appeal the verdict.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-johnson-johnson-cancer-lawsuit/jj-ordered-to-pay-417-million-in-trial-over-talc-cancer-risks-idUSKCN1B121D|title=J&J ordered to pay $417{{nbs}}million in trial over talc cancer risks|date=August 21, 2017|newspaper=Reuters|last1=Raymond|first1=Nate}}</ref> The Missouri Eastern District appeals court later negated a $72{{nbs}}million jury verdict in the Jacqueline Fox lawsuit, ruling it lacked jurisdiction in Missouri because of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that imposed limits on where injury lawsuit can be filed. Subsequently, this ruling killed three other recent St. Louis jury verdicts of more than $200{{nbs}}million combined. Fox, 62, of Birmingham, Alabama, died in 2015, about four months before her trial was held in St. Louis Circuit Court. She was among 65 plaintiffs, of whom only two were from Missouri.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/missouri-appeals-court-tosses-out-million-dollar-johnson-johnson-talcum/article_e976d9eb-c9dc-5fdf-b136-8d94bc6cfbdd.html|title=Missouri appeals court tosses out $72 million Johnson & Johnson talcum powder verdict | vauthors=Currier J |date=October 17, 2017}}</ref>
A St. Louis jury awarded nearly $4.7{{nbs}}billion in damages to 22 women and their families in 2018 after they claimed that asbestos in Johnson & Johnson talcum powder caused their ovarian cancer.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2018/07/13/johnson-johnson-ordered-to-pay-4-7-billion-to-women-who-say-baby-powder-gave-them-cancer/ | vauthors=Bever L |title=Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay $4.7 billion to women who say baby powder gave them cancer |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=July 13, 2018}}</ref> In August, J&J said that it removed several chemicals from baby powder products and re-engineered them to make consumers more confident that products were safer for children.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Companies/f2z1TqJx9HtNRwmAEiIXXK/Johnson-and-Johnsonremoveschemicals-to-make-products-safer.html |title=Johnson and Johnson removes chemicals to make products safer | work=Livemint |date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> The company was forced to release internal documents with 11,700 people suing J&J over cancers allegedly caused by baby powder. The documents showed that the company had known about asbestos contamination since at least as early as 1971 and had spent decades finding ways to conceal the evidence from the public.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/johnson-johnson-knew-decades-asbestos-lurked-its-baby-powder-n948016|title=Johnson & Johnson knew for decades that asbestos lurked in some of its baby powder |website=NBC News |date=December 14, 2018}}</ref>
The company lost its request to reverse a jury verdict that ruled in favor of the accusers, which required the company to pay $4.14{{nbs}}billion in punitive damages and $550{{nbs}}million in compensatory damages.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/jj-loses-its-battle-to-overturn-a-4-7b-baby-power-verdict |title=J&J loses its battle to overturn a $4.7B baby powder verdict| vauthors=Scipioni J |website=FOX Business |date=December 19, 2018}}</ref> A large study performed in 2003 found that ovarian cancer risk increased from a baseline of 0.0121% to 0.0161% in people who reported regularly using talc in the genital area. Two more studies over the next twelve years, which also relied on self-reporting, had similar results; however, none of the three studies showed a relationship between how long someone used talc and how much their cancer risk increased, which is expected in experiments with carcinogens and other toxic substances (see dose–response relationship).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/the-johnson-and-johnson-talc-cancer-case/ |title=The Johnson and Johnson Talc Cancer Case |author-first1=Steven |author-last1=Novella |author-link=Steven Novella |website=Neurologica blog |date=February 25, 2016}}</ref>
Conversely, a St. Louis jury ruled in favor of Johnson & Johnson in the case of a single plaintiff who had used the company's talc-containing baby powder for thirty years with a similar claim.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/st-louis-jury-sides-with-johnson-johnson-in-talc-case/ |title=St. Louis jury sides with Johnson & Johnson in talc case | vauthors=Salter J |work=The Seattle Times |agency=Associated Press |date=December 23, 2019}}</ref> The company's CEO, Alex Gorsky, declined to appear at a United States congressional hearing on the safety of J&J's Baby Powder and other talc-based cosmetics. J&J spokesman Ernie Knewitz said that the subcommittee had rejected the company's offers to send a talc testing expert or a J&J executive in charge of consumer products.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/ajimpact/johnson-johnson-ceo-refuses-attend-hearing-carcinogens-191210004346338.html |title=Johnson & Johnson CEO refuses to attend US hearing on carcinogens | work=Al Jazeera English |date=December 10, 2019}}</ref> In response to declining demand, J&J announced it would discontinue the sale of talc-based baby powder in the United States and Canada in 2020, but would continue to sell it in other markets. In a statement, the company said that the existing retail inventory of the talc-based powder will sell until it runs out, while the company's corn starch-based baby powder will continue to sell in the United States and Canada.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Johnson & Johnson to discontinue sales of talc-based baby powder in U.S., Canada | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/johnson-johnson-talc-baby-powder-discontinued-us-canada/ | work=CBS News |last=Albert |first=Victoria |date=May 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218044149/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/johnson-johnson-talc-baby-powder-discontinued-us-canada-asbestos-claims-denied/ |archive-date=February 18, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The Supreme Court of Missouri refused to consider J&J's appeal of a $2.12 billion damages award to women who blamed their ovarian cancer on its talc-based products.<ref>{{cite web |author=Stempel |first=Jonathan |date=November 4, 2020 |title=Johnson & Johnson fails to overturn $2.12 billion baby powder verdict, plans Supreme Court appeal |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-johnson-johnson-talc-ruling-idUKKBN27J2N4 |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/23/health/baby-powder-cancer.html|title=Women With Cancer Awarded Billions in Baby Powder Suit|author-first1=Roni Caryn |author-last1=Rabin |website=The New York Times|date=June 23, 2020 | url-access=limited}}</ref>
The Supreme Court of the United States also refused to consider an appeal from J&J, leaving in place a judgment from a state appeal court that had cut the original award to $2.1 billion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/01/politics/johnson--johnson-supreme-court-2-billion-verdict/index.html |title=Supreme Court won't review $2 billion verdict against Johnson & Johnson in talc powder case | first1=Ariane | last1=de Vogue | first2=Jen | last2=Christensen | work=CNN | date=June 1, 2021}}</ref> Two of the justices had to recuse: Samuel Alito because either he and/or his wife owning or recently owning stock in J&J, and Brett Kavanaugh, whose father led an industry group lobbying against safety warnings on talc products. Representing the affected women during the trial, W. Mark Lanier remarked that the Supreme Court's decision sent "a clear message to the rich and powerful: You will be held to account when you cause grievous harm under our system of equal justice under law."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Supreme Court Won't Consider Johnson & Johnson Challenge to Baby Powder Judgment|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/supreme-court-won-t-consider-johnson-johnson-challenge-to-2-1-billion-judgment-in-baby-powder-case-11622555345|author-first1=Brent |author-last1=Kendall |author-first2=Peter |author-last2=Loftus|website=The Wall Street Journal |date=June 1, 2021 | url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/06/01/1002149828/supreme-court-johnson-johnson-talc-verdict-ovarian-cancer |title=Supreme Court Says A $2 Billion Verdict In A Baby Powder Cancer Case Should Remain |website=NPR |date=June 1, 2021}}</ref> J&J had argued that the combined claims in the St. Louis trial were too different, yet the short jury deliberation and identical payouts were, therefore, a violation of the company's due process and also that the high punitive award was unconstitutional.<ref name=Nixes/>
In 2021, Johnson & Johnson subsidiary LTL Management LLC, using a process called a Texas two-step bankruptcy, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in North Carolina. The process allowed by Texas law lets a company create a separate subsidiary to take over liabilities, with the existing company operating normally. The new company, with a different name, can locate in a state such as North Carolina where bankruptcy laws are different, and then declare bankruptcy, paying less than the original company would have. In the case of LTL, a $2 billion trust will be created, compared to $25 billion if Johnson & Johnson had declared bankruptcy. According to the filing, a company known as Old JJCI took on the baby powder related liabilities in 1979, while Johnson & Johnson remained a defendant. LTL and New JJCI were created with LTL taking the baby powder related liabilities and some assets, and New JJCI taking the remaining assets. Johnson & Johnson says LTL is now based in New Jersey.<ref>{{cite news |title=Johnson & Johnson forms new subsidiary to take ovarian cancer claims into bankruptcy court |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/business/2021/10/14/johnson-johnson-forms-new-texas-subsidiary-to-take-ovarian-cancer-claims-into-bankruptcy-court/ |last=Walters |first=Natalie |work=The Dallas Morning News |date=October 14, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/10/21/1047828535/baby-powder-cancer-johnson-johnson-bankruptcy |title=J&J is using a bankruptcy maneuver to block lawsuits over baby powder cancer claims |work=NPR |date=October 22, 2021}}</ref> The cases were dismissed as bad-faith filings.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.cadwalader.com/resources/clients-friends-memos/johnson--johnsons-red-river-bankruptcy-strategy-sinks-on-third-party-release-issues-voting-irregularitieswith-possible-implications-for-future-mass-tort-bankruptcy-cases | title=Johnson & Johnson’s “Red River” Bankruptcy Strategy Sinks on Third-Party Release Issues, Voting Irregularities—With Possible Implications for Future Mass Tort Bankruptcy Cases | work=Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft | date=April 17, 2025}}</ref>
The company announced that it would stop making talc-based powder by 2023 and replace it with cornstarch-based powders. The company says the talc-based powder is safe to use and does not contain asbestos.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-62514263 | title=J&J to replace talc-based powder with cornstarch after cancer lawsuits | work=BBC News | date=August 12, 2022}}</ref>
Lawsuits showed connections between Johnson & Johnson and the Holmesburg Prison experiments.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blohm |first=Eike |title=Experimenting on Prisoners: New California Lawsuits Reveal Old Abuses |url=https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2022/oct/31/experimenting-prisoners-new-california-lawsuits-reveal-old-abuses/ |website=Prison Legal News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Feeley |first=Jef |date=March 7, 2022 |title=J&J's Controversial Prison Testing Resurfaces in Baby Powder Lawsuits |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-03-07/j-j-s-controversial-prison-testing-resurfaces-in-baby-powder-lawsuits |work=Bloomberg}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://kffhealthnews.org/morning-breakout/new-docs-show-jj-funded-study-that-injected-inmates-with-asbestos-in-1971/ |title=New Docs Show J&J Funded Study That Injected Inmates With Asbestos In 1971 |website=KFF Health News | date=March 9, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/jj-talc-powder-skin-penn-testsprison-20220308.html | last=Feeley |first=Jef |title=J&J's controversial prison testing with a Penn doctor resurfaces in baby powder lawsuits |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=2022-03-08}}</ref>
In 2023, the number of lawsuits regarding talc-based baby powder exceeded 40,000 as more claimants came forward to say that the company's product caused them to have cancer. Johnson & Johnson offered $9 billion to settle all the lawsuits against the company, up from the previous figure of $2 billion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-65180131 | title=Johnson & Johnson offers $9bn to settle talc claims | work=BBC News | date=April 5, 2023}}</ref>
In February 2025, as the number of talc-based powder related lawsuits sat at over 62,000, Johnson & Johnson offered a settlement of $10 billion to end litigation, funded by a subsidiary's filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/jj-begins-crucial-battle-over-10-billion-baby-powder-settlement-2025-02-18/ |title=J&J begins crucial battle over $10 billion baby powder settlement |last=Knauth |first=Dietrich | editor-first1=Alexia | editor-last1=Garamfalvi | editor-first2=Bill | editor-last2=Berkrot |work=Reuters |date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> In April 2025, a judge rejected the bankruptcy and thereby rejected the offer. The company then said it would "return to the tort system to litigate and defeat these meritless talc claims"<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/us-judge-rejects-jjs-10-billion-baby-powder-settlement-2025-04-01/ | title=US judge rejects J&J's $10 billion baby powder settlement | first=Dietrich | last=Knauth | editor-first1=Alexia | editor-last1=Garamfalvi | editor-first2=Stephen | editor-last2=Coates | editor-first3=Shri | editor-last3=Navaratnam | work=Reuters | date=April 1, 2025}}</ref>
In October 2025, a Los Angeles court ordered J&J to pay $966 million to the family of a woman who died from mesothelioma in 2021. The ruling came days after a South Carolina court rejected a lawsuit of a man that similarly claimed asbestos fibers in baby powder caused his cancer. J&J called the ruling unconstitutional and said it would appeal.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/jury-orders-jj-pay-966m-baby-powder-lawsuit |last=Dunleavy |first=Kevin |title=J&J will appeal $966M award by LA jury in talcum powder lawsuit | work=Questex |date=October 7, 2025}}</ref> Since this ruling, J&J has seen a 17% rise in talc cancer related suits.<ref>{{Cite news |title=J&J Talc Cancer Suits Rise 17% After Failed Settlement Push |url=https://www.businessoffashion.com/news/beauty/johnson-johnson-talc-cancer-lawsuits-increase/ | agency=Bloomberg News |website=The Business of Fashion |date=October 28, 2025}}</ref>
In December 2025, a jury awarded $40 million to women who said talc was to blame for cancer.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/12/johnson-johnson-talc-baby-powder | title=Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay $40m to women who said talc to blame for cancer | agency=Reuters | work=The Guardian | date=December 12, 2025}}</ref>
===Opioid epidemic=== {{Further|Opioid epidemic in the United States}} By 2018, the company had become embroiled in the opioid epidemic in the United States and had become a target of lawsuits.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.dddmag.com/news/2018/03/doj-support-lawsuits-against-companies-selling-opioids |title=DOJ to Support Lawsuits Against Companies Selling Opioids| vauthors=Gurman S, Mulvihill G |work=Drug Discovery & Development |publisher=Advantage Business Media |agency=Associated Press | date=March 2, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/12/health/oklahoma-opioid-trial-johnson-and-johnson-kingpin/index.html |title=Johnson & Johnson acted as opioid kingpin, Oklahoma attorney general says | work=CNN|date=March 12, 2019}}</ref>
In Idaho, J&J is part of a lawsuit accusing the company for being partially to blame for opioid-related overdose deaths.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.idahostatesman.com/living/health-fitness/article216893150.html |title=11 Idaho counties take on Walmart, CVS, drug companies in opioid lawsuit | first=Audrey | last=Dutton | work=Idaho Statesman | date=August 17, 2018}}</ref> The first major trial began in Oklahoma in May 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/first-big-trial-in-opioid-crisis-set-to-kick-off-in-oklahoma-11558958401|title=First Big Trial in Opioid Crisis Set to Kick Off in Oklahoma| vauthors=Randazzo S |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=May 27, 2019 | url-access=subscription |issn=0099-9660}}</ref> On August 26, 2019, the Oklahoma judge ordered J&J to pay $572{{nbs}}million for its part in the opioid crisis,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oklahoma wins case against drugmaker in historic opioid trial|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/26/health/oklahoma-opioid-trial-verdict-bn/index.html |work=CNN| vauthors=Howard J, Drash W | date=August 26, 2019}}</ref> and in October J&J paid $20.4{{nbs}}million to two Ohio counties fighting the opioid epidemic.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2019-10-02/johnson-and-johnson-agrees-to-pay-ohio-counties-204m-opioid-settlement|title=Johnson & Johnson to Pay Ohio Counties $20.4M Opioid Settlement|website=www.usnews.com}}</ref> In January 2022, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay up to $5 billion as part of a $26 billion settlement which included McKesson, AmerisourceBergen, and Cardinal Health.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/most-us-local-governments-opt-join-26-bln-opioid-settlement-2022-01-26/ |last=Raymond |first=Nate | editor-first1=Alexia | editor-last1=Garamfalvi | editor-first2=Bill | editor-last2=Berkrot |title=Most U.S. local governments opt to join $26 bln opioid settlement |work=Reuters| date=January 27, 2022}}</ref> Had the states gone to court, the companies could have faced up to $95 billion in penalties.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/mckesson-drug-distributors-face-95-billion-opioid-trial-washington-state-2021-11-15/ |last=Raymond |first=Nate | editor-first1=Noeleen | editor-last1=Walder | editor-first2=Jonathan | editor-last2=Oatis | editor-first3=Dan | editor-last3=Grebler | title=Washington state, in $95 billion opioid trial, blames drug distributors for crisis |work=Reuters |date=November 16, 2021}}</ref>
====Northeastern Ohio settlement==== In October 2019, the company agreed to a settlement of $20.4{{nbs}}million with northeastern Ohio's most populous counties of Cuyahoga (containing Cleveland) and Summit (Akron). The settlement allows the company avoidance of a trial accusing J&J and many other pharmaceutical manufacturers of helping to spark the US opioid epidemic. The trial was thought to be an indicator for thousands of opioid-related lawsuits against many drug manufacturers. The arrangement, which contains no admission of liability by the company, provides the counties $10{{nbs}}million in cash, $5{{nbs}}million for legal expenses and $5.4{{nbs}}million in contributions to opioid-related nonprofit organizations in the counties.<ref>{{cite news |vauthors=Randazzo S |title=Johnson & Johnson Agrees to Settle Ohio Opioid Lawsuits for $20.4 Million |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/johnson-johnson-agrees-to-settle-ohio-opioid-lawsuits-for-20-4-million-11569977306?mod=article_inline |work=The Wall Street Journal |publisher=Dow Jones and Company |date=October 1, 2019 |location=New York NY}}</ref>
==See also== {{Portal|New Jersey|Companies|Medicine}} * ''Zodiac'' (schooner) * Michael Perry v. American International Industries
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{Official website}} * {{OpenSecrets}} {{Finance links | name = Johnson & Johnson | google = JNJ:NYSE | reuters = JNJ | sec_cik = 200406 | yahoo = JNJ }}
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