Illumina ordered to divest cancer detection test maker GRAIL by FTC

The Federal Trade Commission issued an Opinion and Order requiring DNA sequencing provider, Illumina, Inc., to divest GRAIL, Inc., which makes a multi-cancer early detection test, finding that the deal would stifle competition and innovation in the U.S. market for life-saving cancer tests. The Opinion reverses an Administrative Law Judge’s Initial Decision that dismissed the antitrust charges in a complaint brought by FTC staff. The Commission found that the acquisition would diminish innovation in the U.S. market for MCED tests while increasing prices and decreasing choice and quality of tests. This Opinion and Order will now become final unless Respondents file a petition for review in a federal Court of Appeals within 60 days from the date of the service of this Order. The Commission vote to issue the Opinion and Order was 4-0. Reference Link