The Federal Trade Commission has secured a significant victory by halting Edwards Lifesciences proposed $945 million acquisition of JenaValve Technology. Following a six-day trial, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted the FTC’s request for a preliminary injunction to temporarily prevent the deal. Edwards, after acquiring JC Medical in 2024, sought to combine the only two U.S. companies with ongoing TAVR-AR clinical trials for treating aortic regurgitation. The FTC challenged the transaction in August 2025, arguing it would reduce competition, limit innovation, and potentially raise prices for patients. In response to the court’s decision, Edwards confirmed it is no longer acquiring JenaValve.
Daniel Guarnera, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, said, “The court’s decision preserves the head-to-head competition between Edwards and JenaValve that has expanded treatment options for patients suffering from potentially fatal heart conditions. Americans win when companies compete to create new and, in this case, lifesaving innovations.” He added that the FTC would continue to enforce antitrust laws to protect consumers and improve U.S. healthcare through lower costs, higher quality, and greater innovation. The ruling follows other FTC actions aimed at reducing healthcare costs and safeguarding competition, including challenges to improper patent listings and noncompete agreements.
