Pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical technologies corporation Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) announced on Tuesday that it is facing a new class action, filed on Monday, 17th June.

The firm is been sued for damages and medical monitoring on behalf of women who have been diagnosed with cancer because they used the company's baby powder and other talc products.

The lawsuit was filed in New Jersey federal court on Monday. It is the first to seek medical monitoring to detect cancer early, on behalf of talc users.

The suit could include thousands of women. The firm's talc was alleged to potentially contain cancer-causing asbestos.

Johnson & Johnson has, however, maintained that its talc is safe and asbestos-free.