The Sargon hearing to determine the admissibility of expert testimony for California’s first talcum powder trial began in late June. Toxicology and pharmacology experts testified to plaintiffs’ claims that Johnson & Johnson’s products with talcum powder caused them to develop ovarian cancer.
The Sargon hearing will determine which experts are allowed to testify during the trial and the scope of their testimony. Laura Plunkett, a toxicology and pharmacology expert who has repeatedly testified to the carcinogenic effects of talc, testified on behalf of plaintiffs alleging a connection between talc and ovarian cancer.
Plaintiffs allege Johnson & Johnson knew about the carcinogenic effects of talc for years without warning consumers. Johnson & Johnson contends that the science those claims are based on is faulty. Following the 5-day Sargon hearing, convened by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maren Nelson, the trial is set to begin in July.