Mesothelioma News For August and Early September 2025

As advocates for individuals and families affected by asbestos-related diseases, our mesothelioma attorneys closely monitor every development that could impact treatment options, legal rights, or day-to-day support for the mesothelioma community. August and September 2025 delivered meaningful news on all three fronts: a significant jury verdict against Johnson & Johnson in Massachusetts, momentum behind a new targeted drug, a global Phase III trial to watch, and fresh federal activity on asbestos risk management. Below, we break down what each update means in plain English and explain how it may impact your case or care plan.

1) Massachusetts Jury Returns a $42.6 Million Talc, Mesothelioma Verdict: What It Means

On July 29, and then publicly reported in early August, a Massachusetts jury ordered J&J to pay $42.6 million to a mesothelioma patient who used talc-based Baby Powder for decades. The verdict adds to the body of talc and asbestos trials, where jurors have concluded that asbestos contamination in talc can cause mesothelioma and that consumers were not adequately warned. J&J has indicated it will appeal, as it has in other cases. Appeals can take time, and outcomes vary. Still, a verdict of this magnitude in a Massachusetts court sends a strong signal about how juries here may evaluate causation and corporate knowledge evidence in talc and mesothelioma claims.

How this could affect your rights:
Suppose you or a loved one has a mesothelioma diagnosis and a history of talc use, particularly long-term Baby Powder use. In that case, this verdict underscores the importance of documenting brand history, purchase locations, approximate years of use, and any witnesses who can confirm exposure. Even if J&J ultimately wins some appeals, jury findings like this can shape settlement posture across similar claims. Every case is unique, but preserving evidence early is critical.

2) New Targeted Therapy Earns FDA Orphan Drug Status, VT3989

On August 1, 2025, the FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation to VT3989 from Vivace Therapeutics, a first-in-class TEAD inhibitor designed to target the Hippo pathway YAP-TEAD signaling, which many mesothelioma tumors rely on to grow. Orphan status does not mean the drug is approved; rather, it confers development incentives, including market exclusivity upon approval and fee reductions, intended to speed research for rare diseases. Early Phase 1 data suggested signals of activity and a tolerability profile that justified moving forward. For patients who have already received standard therapies, this type of targeted approach, if proven effective in larger trials, could expand the treatment options beyond chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

What patients can do now:
Ask your oncologist whether any VT3989 trials or expanded access pathways are open at your treating center, and whether your tumor biology, for example, alterations in Hippo pathway components, makes you a good candidate if enrollment is offered. Trial eligibility is precise; your team can review prior treatments, performance status, and lab values to determine if a referral is warranted.

3) A Phase III Trial to Watch: AstraZeneca’s Volrustomig, MEDI5752 plus Chemotherapy

AstraZeneca is conducting eVOLVE, Meso, a global Phase III study comparing volrustomig, a PD-1 and CTLA-4 bispecific antibody, plus carboplatin and pemetrexed, versus current standards, including platinum, pemetrexed, or nivolumab plus ipilimumab, in patients with unresectable pleural mesothelioma. Phase III is where the rubber meets the road, with extensive, randomized data that can change guidelines if the results are positive. If volrustomig improves survival or responses without unacceptable toxicity, first-line therapy could evolve again after recent advances from dual checkpoint regimens. Trial information and participating locations are listed publicly. Please discuss with your oncologist whether a referral is appropriate before starting or switching treatment.

Why this matters:
Mesothelioma care has steadily moved from chemo only to chemo, immunotherapy, and dual checkpoint immunotherapy. A successful bispecific could further refine first-line choices, especially for patients who are borderline candidates for current regimens or who require different toxicity trade-offs.

4) EPA Kicks Off Next Round of Asbestos Risk Management Input, Part 2, September 7 Deadline

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is forming a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel for “Asbestos Part 2” under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). It is seeking nominations for small entity representatives by September 7, 2025. This process informs a proposed risk management rule targeting legacy uses and associated disposal, areas particularly relevant to older buildings, demolition, renovation, and community exposures. Small businesses, local governments, and nonprofits can apply to ensure their operational realities are reflected in the rulemaking record. While this is not a ban announcement, it is a tangible step with real implications for how asbestos hazards are handled in the field.

Why community members should care:
Clear federal rules on legacy asbestos affect workers and residents, from school retrofits to municipal abatement programs. Participation by Massachusetts contractors, unions, and local agencies can enhance the practicality and enforceability of any EPA proposals that follow.

5) Choosing Where to Get Care, 2025, 26 Cancer Rankings

Selecting a treatment center is a deeply personal decision. Still, national rankings can help families identify high-volume cancer hospitals with extensive clinical trial portfolios and multidisciplinary expertise in mesothelioma. In the 2025 and 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, MD Anderson Cancer Center again held the #1 spot for cancer care. Other perennial leaders include Memorial Sloan Kettering, Dana-Farber Brigham, Mayo Clinic, and Massachusetts General Hospital. For rare cancers like mesothelioma, experienced centers often translate to better access to trials, thoracic surgery teams, and specialized radiation techniques. Always weigh rankings against your insurance network, travel realities, and your oncologist’s specific experience with mesothelioma.

Practical tip:
If you are being treated locally, consider obtaining a second opinion in person or via a virtual consultation from a mesothelioma center of excellence before finalizing a treatment plan or undergoing major surgery. Many top centers coordinate seamlessly with community oncologists to keep care close to home.

6) September Dates to Put on Your Calendar

• Mesothelioma Awareness Day, September 26, 2025. Established by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, this day mobilizes education, policy advocacy, and fundraising nationwide. Expect ribbons, blue lights, and local proclamations, patient groups and unions often use the day to amplify calls for an asbestos ban and stronger protections.
• Miles for Meso, Alton, IL, Saturday, September 20, 2025. The flagship 5K, 3K run (and walk, benefiting the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO, is offered in-person and virtually this year. If you cannot travel, you can still register, participate in your hometown, and share photos to raise awareness and support research and prevention.
• iMig 2025, Philadelphia, October 26-29. Regular registration ends September 12. The world’s leading mesothelioma conference convenes clinicians, researchers, advocates, and, importantly, patients. Expect late-breaking clinical data and policy discussions that shape next year’s standard of care.

How These Updates Fit Together, And How We Can Help

Therapy pipeline: The orphan designation for a TEAD inhibitor, VT3989, and a Phase III bispecific trial, volrustomig, both indicate that targeted and next-generation immunotherapies are continuing to move forward. For patients, that means more conversations about biomarkers, sequencing treatments, and clinical trial timing. If you are stable on first-line therapy, it may be worth discussing trial options before progressing to avoid missing eligibility windows.

Policy and prevention: EPA’s SBAR panel work might seem far removed from the infusion chair, but better rules for legacy asbestos reduce future exposures for workers renovating schools, firefighters, and families living near old industrial sites. Prevention and patient care are two sides of the same coin; progress in one strengthens the other.

Accountability and compensation: The J&J verdict underscores that civil juries continue to scrutinize what companies knew or should have known about asbestos risks in consumer products. Large verdicts do not automatically apply to every case, and appeals can change trial outcomes. However, the legal and scientific record continues to grow. If talc or occupational asbestos exposure is part of your story, timely legal guidance helps protect your right to pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Action Steps for Patients and Families, Massachusetts and Beyond

1. Document exposure history now. Create a list of jobs, worksites, products (e.g., talc brands, joint compound, insulation), dates, and coworkers. Save receipts, photos, and any packaging where possible. This evidence becomes harder to find over time.
2. Ask about trials during your first consultation. When you meet a thoracic oncologist, bring a trial question list,
   • Are we sending my tumor for molecular profiling?
   • Do I qualify for first-line or second-line trials, such as volrustomig combinations or other immunotherapy and targeted options?
   • If I start standard therapy now, will I still be eligible later?
3. Consider a second opinion. Especially for surgery decisions, such as pleurectomy versus extrapleural pneumonectomy, radiation plans, or after initial progression, a high-volume center review can reveal options not offered everywhere.
4. Use September to mobilize support. Register yourself or a team for Miles for Meso and mark Mesothelioma Awareness Day on your calendar. These events raise funds, amplify prevention efforts, and connect families who are walking the same road.
5. Talk to a lawyer early. Strict filing deadlines apply, and every month counts when tracking down old employers, product suppliers, and insurance records. A free consultation can help you understand potential claims, even if you are still exploring diagnosis and treatment options.

Our Commitment to You and Your Family

At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we have stood with asbestos victims and their families for decades. We stay on top of the science, the trials, and the law, so you can focus on care and family while we pursue the accountability and resources you deserve. Suppose you have questions about a potential talc or occupational exposure claim or need help understanding how these new developments apply to your specific situation. In that case, we’re here to help you.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or legal advice. You should make medical decisions in consultation with your treating physicians; legal decisions should be made after a confidential consultation tailored to your specific facts.