FTC Approves Final Order Preserving Competition in Market for Treating Heartworm Disease in Dogs

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Eli Lilly and Company’s acquisition of Novartis Animal Health would likely be anticompetitive.

Under the order, first announced in December 2014, Eli Lilly and Company has agreed to divest its Sentinel product line of medications for treating heartworm disease in dogs, and associated assets, to the French pharmaceutical company, Virbac S.A.

The Commission vote approving the final order was 5-0. (FTC File No. 141 0142; the staff contact is Michael Barnett, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2362)

The FTC’s Bureau of Competition works with the Bureau of Economics to investigate alleged anticompetitive business practices and, when appropriate, recommends that the Commission take law enforcement action. To inform the Bureau about particular business practices, call 202-326-3300, send an e-mail to antitrust@ftc.gov (link sends e-mail), or write to the Office of Policy and Coordination, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., Room CC-5422, Washington, DC 20580. To learn more about the Bureau of Competition, read Competition Counts. Like the FTC on Facebook (link is external), follow us on Twitter (link is external), and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.

Press Release Reference:

FTC Puts Conditions on Eli Lilly’s Proposed Acquisition of Novartis Animal Health