Johnson & Johnson Settles Over 100 Transvaginal Mesh Cases

Johnson and Johnson has agreed to settle 111 lawsuits involving its Mentor transvaginal mesh tape and sling devices for an undisclosed amount.

The suits, linked injuries sustained from using the Mentor ObTape Transobturator Sling, were consolidated in multidistrict litigation before Judge Clay Land of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. Hundreds more cases are pending, with six set for trial in October and November.

Chris Janish, CEO of MT Services, said the settlement is significant not for the number of cases settled, but because it shows J&J’s willingness to begin settling some of these cases. “The bottom line is that the plaintiffs of these settled cases will now get some relief,” he added.

The sling was discontinued in 2006. J&J continues to maintain that they are safe. — Kellen Owings