The European Commission has officially closed its antitrust investigation into Edwards Lifesciences, a medical device manufacturer, following the company's withdrawal of its Global Unilateral Pro-Innovation (Anti-Copycatting) Policy (UPIP). This policy was under scrutiny for potentially limiting competition in the market for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) devices.

In September 2023, the Commission conducted unannounced inspections at Edwards Lifesciences' facilities in the EU to determine if the company's actions violated EU antitrust laws, specifically Article 102, which addresses abuses of a dominant market position. The investigation focused on whether the UPIP restricted physicians' participation in clinical trials and educational activities sponsored by competing manufacturers.

By limiting access to essential services and insights from physicians, Edwards Lifesciences could have hindered competitors' ability to establish their products in the European Economic Area. However, with the withdrawal of the UPIP, the Commission concluded that the concerns raised during the investigation had been sufficiently addressed, and no further action is deemed necessary at this time.

It is important to note that the closure of the investigation does not imply that Edwards Lifesciences' previous conduct was compliant with EU competition rules. The company, headquartered in the US, specializes in medical devices for cardiovascular applications, particularly TAVI devices used to treat aortic stenosis, a serious cardiovascular condition.