Ethicon/Johnson and Johnson has settled a case that was one week into trial in Missouri as well as three other cases that were set for early trial dates. Read about it in more detail here. These settlements mark a drop in the bucket for the many cases that remain filed and pending but could be an indication that Ethicon/Johnson and Johnson may be more willing to begin substantive global settlement negotiations.
It is estimated there are 23,000 lawsuits filed against Ethicon/Johnson and Johnson in the WVA MDL and various state courts. These settlements mark the first 4 cases that have resolved by settlement. Prior cases had been tried to a verdict and are under appeal. You can read about those here Transvaginal Mesh Verdict Scorecard.
Again, this only represents 4/23,000 but it is a hopeful indication that more manufacturers such as Ethicon/Johnson and Johnson, Bard, and Boston Scientific will come to the table in a sincere effort to work to resolve these claims.