Judge Rudolph Contreras in the District of Columbia granted the FTC a preliminary injunction, putting the planned acquisition with a value of $1.2 billion on hold. The court documents remain sealed, but a separate order states that the preliminary injunction was granted.
Irvine, California–based Edwards agreed to acquire the heart valve technology maker in July 2024. JenaValve develops the Trilogy transcatheter heart valve (THV) system for high-risk patients with symptomatic, severe aortic regurgitation (AR). TAVR currently serves as an option to treat aortic stenosis (AS). Expanding its indications to include AR could help a previously underserved population. An approval would also widen Edwards Lifesciences’ share in the TAVR market.
Analysts last year upgraded Edwards in anticipation of FDA approval for Trilogy. However, the FTC has thrown a wrench into proceedings.
In August, the FTC sued to stop the deal from taking place, claiming the acquisition was anti-competitive. The FTC alleged that Edwards and JenaValve represented the only two companies in the U.S. evaluating their valves for the treatment of aortic regurgitation (AR).
