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FTC Sounds Alarm On Edwards' Attempt To Corner Heart Device Market

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Wednesday moved to block medical device supplier Edwards Lifesciences Corp.'s (NYSE:EW) proposed acquisition of JenaValve Technology, Inc.

What Happened: "Edwards' attempt to buy the U.S. market for TAVR-AR devices would eliminate the head-to-head competition that has spurred innovation for lifesaving artificial heart valves," said Daniel Guarnera, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Competition.

The deal would limit patient access to lifesaving medical devices, the FTC argues.

So far, Edwards has agreed to acquire both JenaValve and JC Medical, the two companies competing to bring to market transcatheter aortic valve replacement devices. These devices treat a heart condition called aortic regurgitation (TAVR-AR devices).

Also Read: Edwards Lifesciences Stock: Likely To See Sluggish Price Action Through 2027

Why It Matters: Edwards closed its acquisition of JC Medical in July 2024. Its proposed $945 million acquisition of JenaValve would combine the only two companies with ongoing clinical trials in the U.S. for a TAVR-AR device.

The deal threatens to reduce competition in the TAVR-AR market. This would likely result in reduced innovation, diminished ...