FTC Approves Final Order Preserving Competition in Markets for Acne Treatments

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.’s proposed $475 million acquisition of Precision Dermatology, Inc. would likely be anticompetitive.

Under the order, Valeant has agreed to sell Precision’s assets related to two acne treatments – Tretin-X, its branded single-agent topical tretinoin, and generic Retin-A – within 10 days of consummating the transaction.   

According to the FTC’s complaint, first announced in July 2014, Valeant’s acquisition of Precision as originally proposed would likely reduce competition in the market for branded and generic single-agent topical tretinoins, and in a separate market for generic Retin-A.

The Commission vote approving the final order was 5-0. (FTC File No. 141 0101; the staff contact is Lynda Lao, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-3054)

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, or write to the Office of Policy and Coordination, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 601 New Jersey Ave., Room 7117, Washington, DC 20001. To learn more about the Bureau of Competition, read Competition Counts. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.