Novo Holdings' $16.5B Acquisition of Catalent Set to Close Amidst Regulatory Clearances and Concerns

Novo Holdings is on the brink of finalizing its $16.5 billion acquisition of Catalent, with all necessary regulatory approvals secured from both U.S. and European antitrust bodies[1][2]. This acquisition, marked as potentially the largest biopharma deal of the year, has been heavily scrutinized due to concerns over competition in the GLP-1 drug manufacturing space, with industry leaders such as Eli Lilly and consumer organizations emphasizing the risks of decreased market competition and increased prices[1][2][3]. The deal includes Novo Nordisk's acquisition of three Catalent manufacturing sites for $11 billion to enhance production capabilities, which critics argue could disproportionately benefit Novo in the diabetes and weight-loss markets[2][3]. Despite the reservations, both the FTC and the European Commission have indicated that the deal would not significantly impact market capacity or competition, allowing the acquisition to proceed immediately[3].