Johnson & Johnson Takes Steps to Equitably Resolve All Current and Future Talc Claims

- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) (the Company) today announced that LTL Management LLC (LTL), a newly created and separate subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, that was established to hold and manage claims in the cosmetic talc litigation, has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This filing is intended to resolve all claims related to cosmetic talc in a manner that is equitable to all parties, including any current and future claimants. Johnson & Johnson and its other affiliates did not file for bankruptcy protection and will continue to operate their businesses as usual.

"We are taking these actions to bring certainty to all parties involved in the cosmetic talc cases," said Michael Ullmann , Executive Vice President, General Counsel of Johnson & Johnson. "While we continue to stand firmly behind the safety of our cosmetic talc products, we believe resolving this matter as quickly and efficiently as possible is in the best interests of the Company and all stakeholders."

To demonstrate its commitment to resolving the cosmetic talc cases and remove any financial objections to the process, Johnson & Johnson has agreed to provide funding to LTL for the payment of amounts the Bankruptcy Court determines are owed by LTL and will also establish a $2 billion trust in furtherance of this purpose. In addition, LTL has been allocated certain royalty revenue streams with a present value of over $350 million to further contribute to potential costs.

John Kim , Chief Legal Officer of LTL, said, "With the financial backing of Johnson & Johnson, coupled with a dedicated trust and significant financial resources supporting LTL, we are confident all parties will be treated equitably during this process."

These actions are not a concession of liability but rather a means to achieve an equitable and efficient resolution of the claims raised in the cosmetic talc litigation. The Company has won the majority of cosmetic talc-related jury trials that have been litigated to date and continues to believe that none of the talc-related claims against the Company have merit. The claims are premised on the allegation that cosmetic talc causes ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, a position that has been rejected by independent experts, as well as governmental and regulatory bodies, for decades. More than 40 years of studies by medical experts around the world continue to support the safety of cosmetic talc.

The determination of an appropriate amount to resolve all current and future claims will be decided by the Bankruptcy Court in the Chapter 11 proceedings. This established process will allow for a more efficient and consistent resolution for all parties. While LTL pursues this equitable resolution, all cosmetic talc cases will be stayed pending the outcome of the proceedings.

Johnson & Johnson remains focused on its mission to improve the trajectory of health for humanity and committed to developing lifesaving therapies and innovative solutions that help people live their healthiest lives.

LTL's Chapter 11 case was filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of North Carolina . Additional information is available on www.FactsAboutTalc.com and www.LTLManagementInformation.com . Court filings and information about LTL's Chapter 11 case are available on a separate website administered by its claims agent, Epiq, at https://dm.epiq11.com/LTL ; by calling Epiq representatives at (855) 675-3078 from the U.S. or (503) 520-4497 from international locations; or by emailing Epiq at LTLinfo@epiqglobal.com .

About Johnson & Johnson  
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress. That's why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world's largest and most broadly-based healthcare company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. We are blending our heart, science and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity. Learn more at www.jnj.com . Follow us at @JNJNews.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by LTL Management LLC, a newly created and separate subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The information contained in this press release is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a commitment by the Company to engage in any specific strategy or course of action. Due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, the Company cannot predict the timing, ultimate outcome or financial impact of this matter, or any other ongoing or future litigation. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of LTL Management LLC, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: significant adverse litigation or government action, including related to product liability claims; economic factors, such as interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product research and development, including uncertainty of clinical success and obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success for new and existing products; challenges to patents; the impact of patent expirations; the ability of the company to successfully execute strategic plans; the impact of business combinations and divestitures; manufacturing difficulties or delays, internally or within the supply chain; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including tax laws and global health care reforms; trends toward health care cost containment; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; financial instability of international economies and legal systems and sovereign risk; increased scrutiny of the health care industry by government agencies. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2021 , including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," in the company's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov , www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Any forward-looking statement made in this release speaks only as of the date of this release. None of LTL Management LLC, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. The Company expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this press release.

(PRNewsfoto/Johnson & Johnson)

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SOURCE Johnson & Johnson

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Medtronic Affera pulsed field ablation technologies continue to demonstrate promising evidence for atrial fibrillation patients

Medtronic Affera pulsed field ablation technologies continue to demonstrate promising evidence for atrial fibrillation patients

  • One-year clinical trial data for the next-generation, investigational, Sphere-360™ single-shot PFA catheter show impressive safety, performance, and efficiency results for paroxysmal Afib
  • Dual-energy (RF/PF), focal Sphere-9™ catheter demonstrates efficacy for linear ablation in persistent AFib
  • Medtronic continues legacy of leadership in innovation, showcasing arrhythmia management portfolio at Heart Rhythm Society annual meeting

Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced positive clinical outcomes from two studies in atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients treated with the Affera™ family of technologies, including the next-generation Sphere-360™ single-shot pulsed field ablation (PFA) catheter and the groundbreaking Sphere-9™ combination mapping and dual-energy focal PFA catheter. Data were presented in High Impact Science Sessions at the Heart Rhythm Society 2025 Annual Meeting in San Diego ; the Sphere-360 study was simultaneously published in the Heart Rhythm Journal .

(PRNewsfoto/Medtronic plc)

Sphere-360 Study Safety and Performance

Sphere-360 is an investigational, first-of-its-kind, single-shot PFA mapping and ablation catheter for treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Results for Sphere-360 at one year, in a prospective, single-arm, multi-center trial performed in European centers, demonstrated freedom from arrhythmia recurrence in 88% of patients, with chronically durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in 98% of targeted veins and no reported safety events in a sub-group treated with the most optimized waveform. The Sphere-360 catheter has a large, conformable lattice design that can be modified into various shapes, is seamlessly integrated with the Affera Mapping and Ablation System and utilizes an 8.5 Fr sheath – the smallest in any single-shot PFA technology.

"The Affera technology is a sophisticated ecosystem, including an advanced, intuitive mapping system and catheters that are seamlessly integrated to offer treatment options for different cardiac arrhythmias. It is encouraging to see the promising results for Sphere-360, which can easily create circumferential lesions without the need for catheter rotation," said Vivek Reddy , M.D., Director of Cardiac Arrhythmia Services for the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City . "The study results showed Sphere-360 has a promising safety and performance profile with zero serious adverse events observed. Upon approval, Sphere-360 will be a valuable addition to Medtronic's Affera system, which has been a game changer for Afib treatment and physician workflow."

Medtronic intends to begin its U.S. pivotal trial for the Sphere-360 catheter later this calendar year. Worldwide, Sphere-360 is currently investigational and not approved for sale or distribution.

Sphere-9 for Linear Ablation

Additionally, in a sub-analysis from the Sphere Per-AF IDE study , results demonstrated that the Sphere-9 catheter can be used safely and effectively to create linear lesions in persistent AF patients. Linear ablation is often used in conjunction with PVI to improve the chances of restoring a normal heart rhythm without recurrence in persistent AF patients. The Sphere Per-AF IDE study evaluated the safety, efficacy and efficiency of Affera and Sphere-9 in persistent AF and led to the FDA approval of Affera in October 2024 .

"True to our Medtronic mission for patients and legacy of innovation, we are delivering our best-in-class technologies to physicians and improving care for AFib patients, and we are not slowing down," said Rebecca Seidel , president of the Cardiac Ablation Solutions business at Medtronic, which is part of the Cardiovascular portfolio. "These results signify another step forward and energize us as we continue to earn and build our leadership position in electrophysiology every day."

Medtronic is the only company with two PFA offerings for physicians and patients. The PulseSelect™ Pulsed Field Ablation System offers physicians a safe, single-shot solution for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and is now available in more than 30 countries. The Affera system together with the Sphere-9 catheter enables physician treatment flexibility with its wide area focal design and 9mm lattice tip that can used with an 8.5Fr sheath. Affera is available in Europe , Australia and New Zealand , with global expansion ongoing.

AFib is one of the most common and undertreated heart rhythm disorders, affecting more than 60 million people worldwide. 1 Afib is a progressive disease, often beginning as paroxysmal AFib (presents intermittently) and progressing to persistent (lasts for more than 7+ days without stopping). As the disease progresses, the risk of serious complications including heart failure, stroke and risk of death increases 2-5 .

For more information on the Affera PFA system and the Sphere-9 catheter, visit Medtronic.com.

About Medtronic

Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway , Ireland , is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn .

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

References

  1. Roth GA, Mensah GA, Johnson CO et al. Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors, 1990-2019: Update From the GBD 2019 Study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020;76:2982-3021.
  2. Miyasaka Y, Barnes ME, Bailey KR, et al. Mortality trends in patients diagnosed with first atrial fibrillation: a 21-year community-based study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2007;49:986-92.
  3. Hindricks G, Potpara T, Dagres N, et al. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS). Eur Heart J 2020.
  4. Wolf PA , Abbott RD, Kannel WB. Atrial fibrillation as an independent risk factor for stroke: the Framingham Study. Stroke 1991;22:983-8.
  5. Lubitz SA, Moser C, Sullivan L, et al. Atrial fibrillation patterns and risks of subsequent stroke, heart failure, or death in the community. J Am Heart Assoc 2013;2:e000126

Dr. Reddy is a paid consultant for Medtronic.

Contacts:
Leslie Williamson
Public Relations
+1-612-227-5099

Ryan Weispfenning
Investor Relations
+1-763-505-4626

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SOURCE Medtronic plc

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Medtronic Expand URO U.S. clinical trial meets safety and effectiveness primary endpoints for Hugo robotic-assisted surgery system

Medtronic Expand URO U.S. clinical trial meets safety and effectiveness primary endpoints for Hugo robotic-assisted surgery system

Largest multi-center prospective Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) study for multi-port robotic-assisted urologic surgery   in the U.S. presented as a late-breaker at the American Urologic Association annual meeting

Company confirms Hugo RAS system submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced that the Expand URO Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical study, the largest such study for robotic-assisted urologic surgery ever conducted, met both primary safety and effectiveness endpoints. The prospective, multi-center, single-arm IDE study included 137 patients who underwent urologic procedures using the Hugo™ robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system.

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Medtronic receives FDA approval for smallest-diameter, lumenless defibrillation lead, the OmniaSecure lead and announces investigational clinical study results

Medtronic receives FDA approval for smallest-diameter, lumenless defibrillation lead, the OmniaSecure lead and announces investigational clinical study results

Adding to the Medtronic portfolio of catheter-based lead solutions, the novel OmniaSecure defibrillation lead allows for precise delivery and placement in the right ventricle

Heart Rhythm 2025: Late-breaking clinical study results evaluating the OmniaSecure lead for investigational use in the LBBAP location show high defibrillation success

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Medtronic advances Abbott CGM partnership with FDA submission of interoperable insulin pump

Medtronic advances Abbott CGM partnership with FDA submission of interoperable insulin pump

Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced it has submitted 510(k) applications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking clearance for an interoperable pump. FDA clearance of this pump would pave the way for system integration with a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor based on Abbott's most advanced CGM platform.

(PRNewsfoto/Medtronic plc)

The submissions included a 510(k) application for its MiniMed™ 780G pump as an alternate controller enabled (ACE) insulin pump and a separate 510(k) application for its SmartGuard™ algorithm as an interoperable automated glycemic controller (iAGC).

"We understand how meaningful these advancements are, and we're working with urgency to bring enhanced CGM options to our customers," said Que Dallara, EVP & president, Medtronic Diabetes. "This collaboration with Abbott marks an important step forward in providing innovative solutions and more choice for our customers."

This milestone follows the announcement last August that the companies will collaborate on an integrated system based on Abbott's most advanced CGM platform. Abbott will supply Medtronic with a CGM that will work exclusively with Medtronic smart dosing devices and software across both automated insulin delivery and smart multiple daily injections systems. These systems, including the Abbott CGM, will be sold exclusively by Medtronic.

More details will be shared when FDA clearance is secured.

About the Diabetes Business at Medtronic ( www.medtronicdiabetes.com )
Medtronic Diabetes is on a mission to alleviate the burden of diabetes by empowering individuals to live life on their terms, with the most advanced diabetes technology and always-on support when and how they need it. We've pioneered first-of-its-kind innovations for over 40 years and are committed to designing the future of diabetes management through next-generation sensors (CGM), intelligent dosing systems, and the power of data science and AI while always putting the customer experience at the forefront.

About Medtronic
Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway , Ireland , is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn .

Any forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the partnership between Medtronic and Abbott, strategic and other potential benefits of the partnership, Abbott's products and product candidates, and other statements about Medtronic managements' future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects, are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the ability to obtain regulatory approvals, and other risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. Medtronic cautions investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document, and Medtronic undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of these statements except to the extent required by law.

Contacts:
Janet Cho
Public Relations
+1-818-403-7028

Ryan Weispfenning
Investor Relations
+1-763-505-4626

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Orchestra BioMed Announces AVIM Therapy-Focused Satellite Symposium at HRS 2025 Annual Meeting

Orchestra BioMed Announces AVIM Therapy-Focused Satellite Symposium at HRS 2025 Annual Meeting

  • FDA recently granted Breakthrough Device Designation to AVIM therapy for use in patients with uncontrolled hypertension at increased cardiovascular risk
  • HRS Satellite Symposium will feature leading experts in electrophysiology, hypertension management and heart failure
  • Presentations will detail clinical results from prior studies demonstrating AVIM therapy's ability to immediately, substantially and persistently reduce systolic blood pressure, as well as improve cardiac function
  • Symposium will also feature presentation on the BACKBEAT global pivotal study Orchestra BioMed is currently enrolling in strategic collaboration with Medtronic, plc (NYSE: MDT)

Orchestra BioMed Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: OBIO, "Orchestra BioMed" or the "Company"), a biomedical company accelerating high-impact technologies to patients through risk-reward sharing partnerships, today announced it will host an industry-sponsored satellite symposium at the Heart Rhythm Society ("HRS") 2025 Annual Meeting, taking place April 24–27, 2025, in San Diego, California featuring recent advancements in the Company's atrioventricular interval modulation ("AVIM") therapy program. The April 25 th 6:45 am PT symposium titled " The Future of Cardiac Pacing: Unlocking the Potential of Atrioventricular Interval Modulation (AVIM) Therapy " will convene leading electrophysiologists, hypertension and heart failure specialists to discuss the unmet need in hypertension, AVIM therapy mechanism of action, and growing body of clinical evidence supporting this novel therapy for the treatment of patients with uncontrolled hypertension who have increased cardiovascular risk with or without an indication for a pacemaker.

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Orchestra BioMed Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for AVIM Therapy

Orchestra BioMed Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for AVIM Therapy

  • Breakthrough Device Designation ("BDD") applies to an estimated U.S. population of over 7.7 million patients with uncontrolled hypertension and increased cardiovascular risk
  • BDD also encompasses pacemaker-indicated patients with uncontrolled hypertension who are the focus of the BACKBEAT global pivotal study Orchestra BioMed is currently enrolling in strategic collaboration with Medtronic, plc (NYSE: MDT)
  • BDD status provides accelerated FDA engagement and reviews for AVIM therapy; it also supports potential pathways to secure higher reimbursement for AVIM-enabled devices in the future

Orchestra BioMed Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: OBIO) ("Orchestra BioMed" or the "Company"), a biomedical company accelerating high-impact technologies to patients through risk-reward sharing partnerships, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has granted Breakthrough Device Designation ("BDD") for atrioventricular interval modulation ("AVIM") therapy.

Specifically, the BDD is for an implantable system (i.e., a pacemaker) to deliver AVIM therapy using conduction system pacing to reduce blood pressure in patients with increased ten-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease ("ASCVD") risk, preserved left ventricular systolic function, and uncontrolled hypertension, despite the use of anti-hypertensive medications or in patients who may have intolerance to anti-hypertensive medications. Orchestra BioMed estimates that there are over 7.7 million patients in the U.S. that meet the criteria for the BDD for AVIM therapy. AVIM therapy is currently being evaluated under an FDA investigational device exemption ("IDE") in the BACKBEAT global pivotal study which is being conducted by Orchestra BioMed in collaboration with Medtronic. The BACKBEAT pivotal study is enrolling pacemaker-indicated patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite the use of anti-hypertensive medication, a key subpopulation under the BDD for which Orchestra BioMed believes AVIM therapy may offer optimal clinical benefit.

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