Behind the Money: Best Of: Inside Johnson & Johnson’s bankruptcy two-step

Topher Forhecz Topher Forhecz 5/31/23 - Episode Page

This week, we’re revisiting an episode from last year. Johnson & Johnson, one of the world’s largest healthcare companies, is facing thousands of lawsuits from people alleging they got cancer from using one of their oldest products: talc-based baby powder. To manage the growing liability, J&J deployed a controversial bankruptcy manoeuvre known as the Texas two-step. The FT’s US pharmaceutical correspondent Jamie Smyth helps us explore whether J&J’s use of this manoeuvre is setting a precedent for corporations to evade accountability in America. Plus, stick around for an update on what’s happened to the Texas two-step since this episode first aired. 

Clip from NBC 


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

For further reading:

Johnson & Johnson’s ‘Texas-two-step’ sparks outcry over US bankruptcy regime

Talc ruling a blow to J&J and the ‘Texas two-step’ bankruptcy jig

Talcum powder cancer claims target J&J’s new consumer carve-out

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

On Twitter, follow Jamie Smyth (@JamieSmythF) and Michela Tindera (@mtindera07)


Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.