U.S.-based consumer health company Kenvue ($KVUE), the maker of Tylenol, is facing heightened scrutiny after reports that the Trump administration intends to announce a possible link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. The move could have significant regulatory and market consequences for the recently spun-off Johnson & Johnson ($JNJ) unit.
- The Washington Post reported the administration plans to caution women against taking Tylenol early in pregnancy unless they have a fever.
- The announcement is expected Monday and will also highlight leucovorin, a form of folate, as a potential autism treatment.
- Kenvue stock has fallen roughly 15% in the past month, including a 13% drop earlier this month following related comments from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Interim CEO Kirk Perry met with Kennedy in an attempt to exclude Tylenol from government reports linking it to autism.
- Kenvue maintains there is no credible scientific link between acetaminophen and autism.
- Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, sold up to $15,000 in Kenvue shares on August 28, days before questioning Kennedy on the issue in a September 4 hearing.
Relevant Companies
- Kenvue ($KVUE) — Maker of Tylenol, directly exposed to regulatory scrutiny and litigation risks.
- Johnson & Johnson ($JNJ) — Former parent company, could face reputational spillover from scrutiny of Tylenol.
- Pfizer ($PFE) — As a peer in consumer health and OTC medications, may see indirect impacts from regulatory precedent.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. This article may be updated as more details become available.
