Thousands of women are due to share hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation after Johnson & Johnson failed to overturn a landmark ruling finding it concealed the true extent of complications of pelvic mesh implants.

A Federal Court of Australia judge in 2019 found J&J acted negligently and concealed the true extent of complications from the pelvic implants.

‘Instructions for Use’ brochures handed to surgeons were also found to have minimised harm and exaggerated the benefits of the devices.

J&J appealed the decision, alleging there were numerous legal errors including a reversal of the onus of proof, but the challenge was dismissed on Friday.