Novo's $16.5B Catalent Acquisition Under FTC and Warren's Scrutiny Amid Competition Concerns

Novo Holdings’ plan to acquire Catalent for $16.5 billion has attracted significant scrutiny, particularly from Senator Elizabeth Warren and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)[1]. Warren has raised concerns that the acquisition could strengthen Novo Nordisk’s dominance in the GLP-1 market, potentially impacting competition and driving up prices for diabetes and obesity drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. The deal would give Novo control over three Catalent sites, heightening fears of reduced production capacity for competitors like Eli Lilly[2]. The FTC has delayed the merger to request additional documents, amid debates over its antitrust implications and potential effects on the pharmaceutical landscape.