The commission no longer has a voice opposing aggressive antitrust enforcement actions and President Biden's replacement may be more receptive to the stance of the three current Democratic commissioners. Amgen’s proposed acquisition of Horizon is facing FTC scrutiny.

Pfizer’s acquisition of Arena without FTC intervention and Hikma’s acquisition of Custopharm with one product divestiture shows the commission is bound by anticompetitive facts of a deal. A more controversial merger may not get through, former FTC attorney says.

Hikma has completed its acquisition of Custopharm, expanding its US injectables business as the company continues to look for more deals.

Hikma has moved closer to completing a deal worth more than $400m to acquire Custopharm, which promises to bolster its US injectables business. However, the FTC’s approval of the transaction comes with conditions.