The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has petitioned a federal judge in Washington, D.C., to exclude testimony from two external physicians and consultants in the ongoing case concerning Edwards Lifesciences’ proposed acquisition of JenaValve Technology. The FTC contends that assertions of minimal communication between the doctors’ legal representatives and the companies involved were “at best, misleading.” ([ftc.gov](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/08/ftc-challenges-anticompetitive-medical-device-deal?utm_source=openai))
In August 2025, the FTC initiated legal action to block Edwards Lifesciences’ planned $945 million acquisition of JenaValve, citing concerns that the merger would reduce competition in the market for transcatheter aortic valve replacement devices designed to treat aortic regurgitation. The agency argued that the consolidation would likely lead to diminished innovation, lower product quality, and potentially higher prices for consumers. ([ftc.gov](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/08/ftc-challenges-anticompetitive-medical-device-deal?utm_source=openai))
Edwards Lifesciences has expressed disagreement with the FTC’s position, stating that the acquisition would enhance the availability and advancement of life-saving treatments for patients suffering from aortic regurgitation. The company intends to continue pursuing regulatory approval for the merger and anticipates a final determination by the end of the first quarter of 2026. ([massdevice.com](https://www.massdevice.com/ftc-blocks-edwards-lifesciences-jenavalve-acquisition/?utm_source=openai))
The FTC’s recent motion to exclude the testimony of the two physicians underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring that expert opinions presented in the case are free from potential biases or conflicts of interest. The outcome of this motion, as well as the broader case, will have significant implications for the medical device industry and the regulatory landscape governing mergers and acquisitions within the sector.