FTC Secures Injunction Blocking Edwards Lifesciences’ Acquisition of JenaValve

USA: FTC Secures Injunction Blocking Edwards Lifesciences’ Acquisition of JenaValve

A federal court in Washington, D.C., on January 9, 2026, granted the Federal Trade Commission’s request for a preliminary injunction, temporarily preventing Edwards Lifesciences Corp. from acquiring JenaValve Technology, Inc. The ruling follows a six‑day trial in which the FTC argued the merger would lessen competition in the U.S. market for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR‑AR) devices.

Background of the Proposed Merger

Edwards announced in August 2025 its intention to purchase JenaValve for $945 million, a move that would unite the two firms conducting active clinical trials for TAVR‑AR devices in the United States. Earlier in 2024, Edwards completed a separate acquisition of JC Medical, another key competitor in the same therapeutic area.

Competition Concerns

The FTC’s complaint contended that combining the only two companies with ongoing U.S. trials could reduce innovation, lower product quality, and enable higher prices for patients requiring treatment for aortic regurgitation. By limiting head‑to‑head competition, the agency warned the market could lose incentives for developing new technologies.

FTC Reaction

Daniel Guarnera, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, described the decision as “a major victory for the FTC, American patients, and U.S. healthcare innovation,” emphasizing the agency’s commitment to enforcing antitrust laws to protect consumers.

Edwards’ Response and Ongoing Enforcement

Following the court order, Edwards announced it would no longer pursue the JenaValve acquisition. The injunction aligns with a series of recent FTC actions, including non‑compete warning letters to healthcare employers and challenges to improper patent listings that affect drug and device competition.

Potential Impact on Consumers

If the merger had proceeded, analysts warned that reduced competition could have led to higher device costs and slower advancement of TAVR‑AR technologies. The FTC’s intervention aims to preserve multiple sources of innovation, which could help keep prices lower and expand treatment options for patients with life‑threatening heart conditions.

This report is based on information from FTC, licensed under Public Domain (U.S. Government Work). Source: Official U.S. Government release.