Health Industry Shifts: Regulatory Changes and Big Deals

Recent developments in the health sector include possible regulatory changes in the safety classification of processed ingredients by the FDA, a nearing acquisition deal by Danaher for Masimo worth $10 billion, and the closure of an EU antitrust investigation into Edwards Lifesciences following the scrapping of its anti-copycat policy.

The health industry is witnessing significant regulatory and corporate changes as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces the FDA's potential reevaluation of the safety status of processed refined carbohydrates. This move could compel food companies to prove that ingredients like corn syrup are safe and not contributing to obesity.

In the financial sphere, Danaher, a prominent life sciences firm, is on the verge of acquiring medical technology company Masimo in a deal approaching $10 billion, according to sources. While this acquisition marks a significant consolidation in the medical technology sector, both companies have yet to comment on the reported deal.

Meanwhile, Edwards Lifesciences has decided to abandon its anti-copycat policy, a move that closes an EU antitrust probe. This development highlights the company's efforts to avoid potential market power abuse allegations as the European Commission ends its investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)