The European Commission has decided to close its antitrust investigation into allegedly anticompetitive behaviour by Edwards Lifesciences, a producer of medical devices for cardiovascular applications. The closure of the investigation follows the company's withdrawal of its so-called Global Unilateral Pro-Innovation (Anti-Copycatting) Policy ('UPIP'). Hence, the UPIP is no longer applicable and has been removed from the company's website.
In September 2023 , the Commission carried out unannounced inspections at Edwards Lifesciences' premises in the EU. The purpose of the inspections was to investigate whether conduct by Edwards Lifesciences could breach EU antitrust rules that prohibit abuses of a dominant market position ( Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union).
The Commission has in particular been investigating whether Edwards Lifesciences, through its UPIP, may have limited physicians' freedom to participate in clinical trials and other scientific and educational activities sponsored or supported by a competing manufacturer of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation ('TAVI') devices. By limiting that competitor's access to important services which assisted their research on medical devices, such as input derived from said physicians, Edwards Lifesciences could have made it more difficult for such a competitor to establish its products in the European Economic Area.
After thorough analysis and careful assessment of all evidence gathered and in light of Edwards Lifesciences' withdrawal of the UPIP, the Commission has concluded that the investigated concerns have been addressed and further action is no longer considered a priority at EU level.
The closure of the investigation is not a finding that the conduct in question complied with EU competition rules.
Background
Edwards Lifesciences is a medical technology company headquartered in the US, which focuses on medical devices for cardiovascular applications.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation procedures make it possible to replace aortic valves with an artificial valve implanted via catheter, thus avoiding putting the patient through a complex open-heart surgery. Edwards Lifesciences' TAVI devices are used to treat aortic stenosis, one of the most common and serious cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of premature death in the EU. On 16 December 2025, the Commission adopted its Safe Hearts Plan , which includes measures to improve prevention, detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
