New Brunswick, New Jersey Johnson & Johnson yesterday unveiled an “Autism-Proof” line of over-the-counter acetaminophen, a branding pivot meant to “relieve headaches and headlines” after fresh claims linking Tylenol in pregnancy to autism. The boxes feature tiny shield icons and an asterisk pointing to “Autism-proof is not a medical category; see WHO, ACOG.” “It’s the exact same acetaminophen, but now with 200% more reassurance,” said Mark Ellison, 39, J&J’s vice president of brand stabilization, demonstrating a new “Rumor-Resistant” seal. “You take two, your fever drops, and your uncle’s Facebook post gets an error message.”
The rollout followed a White House presser last week where President Donald Trump and advisers floated a link that the World Health Organization reiterated has not been established. “We find no consistent association between prenatal paracetamol and autism,” said Dr. Leila Mortensen, 47, a WHO epidemiologist. Harvard dean Andrea Baccarelli, whose work was cited, again clarified, “My research suggests possibility, not proof—if a confidence interval could roll its eyes, it would,” as families ask an appeals court to consider the administration’s stance after hundreds of lawsuits were dismissed.
At a nearby pharmacy, Priya Shah, 33, stocked the new boxes and a printout of WHO guidance. “People keep asking, ‘Is this the safe one?’ and I point to the ingredient list and reality,” she said. J&J said it will meet the FTC early next week and is ready to rebrand the line “Worry-Resistant Acetaminophen” if regulators balk; in the meantime, shipments begin Friday, and a QR code labeled “Scan for Context” will lead to a page reminding readers that context, like reassurance, is not an active ingredient.