Markets Wired

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Novartis AG’s proposed acquisition of Fougera Holdings, Inc. was anticompetitive in the markets for the marketing rights to four topical skin care medications. The final order resolving the charges preserves competition in the markets by requiring Novartis, a drug supplier, to end a marketing agreement that allows it to sell three of the products and return the rights to the fourth product to its manufacturer.

The Commission vote approving the final order was 5-0. (FTC File No. 121-0144, Docket No. C-4364; the staff contact is Christine Tasso, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2232; see press release dated July 16, 2012.)

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