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

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 regimeTalc ruling a blow to J&J and the ‘Texas two-step’ bankruptcy jigTalcum 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.