J&J Unit Loses Quick Appeal Bid in Tylenol-Autism Warning Suit

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. can’t immediately appeal a ruling that rejected its preemption defense in litigation alleging prenatal exposure to Tylenol caused a child’s autism.

The J&J unit hasn’t identified a disputed legal issue that would allow an appeal at this point in the litigation, the US District Court for the Southern District of New York said Thursday.

Cherise Chapman alleged the company didn’t adequately caution pregnant women like herself about the risks of acetaminophen pain relief products like Tylenol, long marketed as the only safe pain relievers for use during pregnancy.

Chapman blames Tylenol for her child’s autism ...