Texas Sues Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue Over Disputed Autism Claims

Strategic Insights -

The Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, has filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and its spinoff company, Kenvue, over claims that Tylenol causes autism. The lawsuit alleges that the companies deceptively marketed the painkiller to pregnant women while hiding potential risks. This move follows a warning from former President Donald Trump, who urged pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen, although many scientists dispute any causal link between the drug and neurological conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The lawsuit, filed in Panola County District Court, claims that at least 26 epidemiological studies have linked prenatal acetaminophen exposure to autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • The complaint states that about 65% of pregnant women take acetaminophen while pregnant.
  • The FDA has acknowledged a possible association between acetaminophen and autism when used during pregnancy, but many scientists dispute this link.
  • A large Swedish study of 2.5 million children found that any association between acetaminophen and autism disappeared when comparing siblings exposed and unexposed to the drug during pregnancy.
  • Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue have been accused of fraudulently transferring Tylenol-related liabilities to Kenvue to avoid billions in potential damages.
  • A federal judge dismissed hundreds of similar private lawsuits in December 2023, ruling the scientific evidence was unreliable.

Statistics:

  • 26 epidemiological studies have linked prenatal acetaminophen exposure to autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.
  • 65% of pregnant women take acetaminophen while pregnant.
  • 2.5 million children were studied in a large Swedish study.
  • $10,000 per violation is the amount of civil penalties that Texas is seeking.
  • 2021 is the year that Johnson & Johnson announced the consumer health spinoff known as Kenvue.

Sources:

  • "Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sues Johnson & Johnson over Tylenol claims" (JURIST)