FTC sues to block IQVIA's buy of Propel Media, deeming it harmful to competition

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is again flexing its muscles in the pharma sector, with the aim of blocking IQVIA Holdings, the world’s largest health care data provider, from acquiring Propel Media (PMI).

In an  administrative complaint, the FTC alleges that the proposed acquisition would give IQVIA a market-leading position in programmatic advertising for health care products, namely prescription drugs, to doctors and other health care professionals. The merger would also increase IQVIA’s incentive to withhold key information to prevent rival companies and potential entrants from effectively competing, the complaint states.

FTC Bureau of Competition Director Holly Vedova said: “Given the rampant consolidation across the pharmaceutical industry, it’s critical that the market for health care product advertising remains competitive to ensure that patients and their doctors have access to high quality, affordable products.”