FTC Orders Illumina to Divest Cancer Detection Test Maker GRAIL to Protect Competition in Life-Saving Technology Market

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The Federal Trade Commission issued an Opinion and Order requiring DNA sequencing provider, Illumina, Inc., to divest GRAIL, Inc., which makes a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test, finding that the deal would stifle competition and innovation in the U.S. market for life-saving cancer tests. The Opinion reverses an Administrative Law Judge’s Initial Decision that dismissed the antitrust charges in a complaint brought by FTC staff.

GRAIL makes non-invasive, early detection liquid biopsy tests that can screen for multiple types of cancer in asymptomatic patients at very early stages using DNA sequencing. GRAIL is one of several competitors racing to develop and commercialize these life-saving liquid biopsy tests. Illumina is the dominant producer of next-generation sequencing (NSG) platforms, which are used to analyze genetic material from the blood samples drawn for MCED tests. These tests could be used to detect multiple types of cancer, most of which are not screened for at all today.

The Commission found that the acquisition would diminish innovation in the U.S. market for MCED tests while increasing prices and decreasing choice and quality of tests. This is extremely concerning given the importance of swiftly developing effective and affordable tools to detect cancer early.

The Opinion raises other concerns about the acquisition that support the Commission’s divesture order:

  • Illumina is currently, and for the reasonably near future, will remain the only viable supplier of a critical input: NSG platforms necessary for MCED tests. Entry barriers prevent rival platforms from competing with Illumina’s high throughput, high accuracy, and favorable cost profile.
  • Illumina can easily foreclose GRAIL’s competitors by raising their costs or withholding or degrading access to supply, service, or new technologies—inputs on which MCED test developers rely.  
  • Illumina has an enormous financial incentive to ensure that GRAIL wins the innovation race in the U.S. MCED market. Illumina stands to earn substantially more profit on the sale of GRAIL tests than it does by supporting rival test developers. And Illumina’s ample mechanisms for effecting foreclosure give it multiple ways to act on that incentive. 

Real world evidence of Illumina’s past behavior reinforces the Commission’s antitrust concerns. For instance, Illumina gave GRAIL special pricing and other benefits while it was wholly owned by Illumina. The Opinion also concludes that the merging parties’ “Open Offer,” which seeks to address competition concerns of the acquisition through supply agreements with Illumina’s oncology customers, is an ineffective remedy that tackles harm on an ad hoc basis. According to the Opinion, such behavioral measures “simply cannot substitute for the incentives of a competitive marketplace.”

Finally, the Opinion rejects parties’ claim that this acquisition is likely to yield results that save lives, noting that their efficiency projections were vague, self-serving, and unsupported. Ultimately, the Opinion holds that letting competition spur through innovation among MCED test providers would do more to save lives than allowing a monopolist to vertically integrate and capture the market.

This Opinion and Order will now become final unless Respondents file a petition for review in a federal Court of Appeals within 60 days from the date of the service of this Order.

The Commission vote to issue the Opinion and Order was 4-0. Commissioner Christine S. Wilson issued a concurring Opinion. The Commission vote closed on March 31, 2023, prior to Commissioner Wilson’s departure from the Commission.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about how competition benefits consumers or file an antitrust complaint.  For the latest news and resources, follow the FTC on social mediasubscribe to press releases and read our blog.

Official news published at https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/04/ftc-orders-illumina-divest-cancer-detection-test-maker-grail-protect-competition-life-saving

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ARuVR Becomes First XR Platform to Be Awarded ‘Accredited’ Provider Status by LPI

- ARuVR® awarded 'Accredited Learning Technologies' provider status for its enterprise-grade Extended Reality (XR) training platform - LPI recognises ARuVR® as forerunner in rapidly growing XR industry

ARuVR®, a multi-award-winning end-to-end Extended Reality (XR) training platform for enterprises, today announced that it has been awarded the status of Accredited Learning Technologies Provider by the LPI (Learning and Performance Institute), the leading global authority on workplace learning and development.

ARuVR® counts Coca-Cola, BT, Royal Air Force, Five Guys, ScotRail, NEOM, Amazon, and PWC among a rapidly growing international customer base and is the first and only XR provider on both the UK Government's CCS digital outcomes and specialists framework, and Crown G-Cloud-approved supplier lists. ARuVR® enables organisations to quickly and easily leverage the location-agnostic convenience and results-driven benefits of XR (Virtual and Augmented Reality) all from a single platform, to create and deliver immersive training programmes. 

ARuVR®'s LPI Accredited Learning Technologies Provider status recognises the company's dedication to high quality and process improvement in providing learning, development, and training services to clients. This accreditation covers the Extended, Augmented and Virtual Reality products and professional services supplied by ARuVR® to their clients on a worldwide basis. ARuVR® followed a rigorous and in-depth process and was assessed on several key performance indicators, including business integrity, client value proposition, delivery capability, quality and performance management, people development, and business stability. ARuVR®'s overall KPI score was near an outstanding 100% across all sections.

Edmund Monk, CEO of the LPI, said: "We have extremely high standards for accreditation, and we are proud to commend ARuVR on their achievement. We work with our accredited organisations to ensure that they not only meet our standards but that they continue to improve. This way, organisations can be confident that they are working with the best." 

The LPI is the foremost accreditation and membership body for the learning and development profession with a global reputation. The accreditation process employs a highly robust framework, developed over many years by learning experts and validated by data from thousands of organisations to measure, benchmark and improve the capability and performance of learning professionals and learning providers.

Frank Furnari, CEO & Founder, ARuVR®, said: "As the market for XR training solutions grows exponentially, we are delighted to be the first in the sector to achieve accreditation status by the LPI. We are committed to providing our global clients with not only the highest levels of quality and service but also to bring AR and VR to the training industry, in a way in which any organisation can embrace and benefit from."

Contact Information:
Andrew Durkin
Director
andrew@mustardpr.com
0044 7887998407


Original Source: ARuVR Becomes First XR Platform to Be Awarded 'Accredited' Provider Status by LPI

Keen’s Buildings Extends Partnership With RJ Hampshire for the 2023 Pro Motocross Season

"RJ is an incredibly talented rider, and we have no doubt that he has what it takes to bring home the championship this year," Keen stated.

Keen’s Buildings Extends Partnership With RJ Hampshire for the 2023 Pro Motocross Season
RJ Hampshire #24

RJ Hampshire, Kicking off the 2023 Pro Motocross Championship Season with Keens Buildings and the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team

Keen's Buildings, a leading provider of high-quality storage solutions, is thrilled to announce the extension of their partnership with RJ Hampshire #24 for the upcoming 2023 Pro Motocross Championship season. RJ Hampshire, an accomplished rider representing the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team, has proven to be an outstanding brand ambassador for Keen's Buildings.

Kevin Keen, CEO of Keen's Buildings, expressed his excitement about the continued collaboration with RJ Hampshire. "We are excited to extend our partnership with RJ for the 2023 Pro Motocross season," said Keen. "RJ has been an incredible asset to our brand, and we are confident in his abilities to excel on the track."

As a prominent figure in the motocross industry, RJ Hampshire has showcased immense talent, determination, and sportsmanship throughout his career. His achievements on the track and his dedication to his craft align perfectly with Keen's Buildings' values and commitment to excellence.

The partnership between Keen's Buildings and RJ Hampshire has proven to be mutually beneficial. It not only highlights the shared passion for motorsports but also underscores the importance of quality, durability, and reliability - qualities that both Keen's Buildings and RJ Hampshire embody.

With the 2023 Pro Motocross season on the horizon, Keen's Buildings and RJ Hampshire are eager to pursue their shared goal of championship success. Kevin Keen has expressed his confidence in RJ's abilities and believes that "RJ is an incredibly talented rider, and we have no doubt that he has what it takes to bring home the championship this year," Keen stated.

The 2023 Pro Motocross Championship, Race Schedule kicks off tomorrow, May 27, 2003, at the Fox Raceway in Pala, CA.

The extended partnership between Keen's Buildings and RJ Hampshire signifies the continued commitment to excellence and the shared vision of pushing boundaries and achieving greatness in the world of motocross.

About Keen's Buildings:

Keen's Buildings is a trusted provider of high-quality storage sheds, metal garages, carports and steel buildings, offering customized solutions to meet diverse storage needs. With over 75,000 installs and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, durability, and customer satisfaction, Keen's Buildings has established itself as a leading name in the industry.

About RJ Hampshire:

RJ Hampshire, representing the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team, is a highly talented and respected motocross athlete. With an impressive track record and a relentless drive for success, RJ has established himself as a prominent figure in the sport.

Contact Information:
Craig Heineman
Marketing
craigh@keensbuildings.com
(386) 364-7995


Original Source: Keen's Buildings Extends Partnership With RJ Hampshire for the 2023 Pro Motocross Season
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