NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey: A subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has proposed a settlement of $6.48 billion over 25 years for lawsuits alleging that its baby powder containing talc caused ovarian cancer.

The lawsuits alleged that J&J’s talcum powder caused ovarian cancer in users through use for feminine hygiene, as well as mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the lungs and other organs.

The claims badly hit J&J’s sales of baby powder, forcing it to stop selling its talc-based products in 2020. It then announced plans to stop global sales of the product in 2022.

J&J said the subsidiary’s reorganization plan, announced this week, was significantly different from the previous one. Those differences include a three-month solicitation period during which ovarian claimants can vote for or against the plan.

The company further said that this was denied in prior bankruptcy cases. If 75 percent of claimants vote in favor of the plan, a subsidiary may file a “prepackaged” Chapter 11 bankruptcy to secure its confirmation.

The plan will resolve 99.75 percent of pending talc lawsuits against it and its affiliates in the U.S., J&J explained, noting that pending personal injury lawsuits that relate to mesothelioma will be addressed outside of the plan, and it has already resolved 95 percent of mesothelioma lawsuits filed to date.

It continues to stand by the safety of its products, and the company stressed that none of the talc-related claims against it have merit.