Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Kenvue Inc. and Johnson & Johnson alleging that the companies concealed evidence linking Tylenol (acetaminophen) to autism and attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
The complaint claims the manufacturers engaged in deceptive marketing by presenting Tylenol as safe for pregnant women while hiding potential developmental risks, violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices–Consumer Protection Act and the Texas Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act.
The suit accuses Kenvue of willfully ignoring and attempting to silence scientific studies that link prenatal acetaminophen exposure to neurodevelopmental disorders, and alleges that Johnson & Johnson transferred liabilities to Kenvue to shield assets.
The lawsuit seeks monetary penalties exceeding $250,000 and injunctive relief to restrict future marketing. Kenvue has said it will vigorously defend the claims, while Johnson & Johnson maintains that all rights and liabilities for Tylenol are owned by Kenvue.
The case comes amid a broader debate over acetaminophen use during pregnancy, with major health authorities and a 2024 JAMA study finding no causal link between acetaminophen and autism or ADHD. The lawsuit also follows President Donald Trump’s public statements linking Tylenol to developmental disorders, and follows Paxton’s history of suing pharmaceutical companies.
The lawsuit is the first state‑level action of its kind; federal courts have seen numerous personal injury lawsuits consolidated into a multi‑district litigation, with a 2023 judge dismissing expert witnesses.
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