J&J Unit Loses Bid to Dismiss Tylenol-Autism Warning Lawsuit

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. still faces litigation alleging prenatal exposure to Tylenol caused a child’s autism, after a federal judge decided the claims weren’t preempted.

Cherise Chapman alleged the J&J unit didn’t sufficiently caution pregnant women about the risks of acetaminophen pain relief products, long marketed as the only safe pain relievers for use during pregnancy.

Her suit is part of multidistrict litigation against manufacturers and retailers that was combined before Judge Denise L. Cote of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.

On Thursday, Cote rejected JJCI’s argument that Chapman’s claims are barred by ...