Kenvue Shares Decline Amid Anticipated HHS Report on Tylenol and Autism
Kenvue's stock fell following reports that the Department of Health and Human Services may link Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism in an upcoming report.
Shares of Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol, declined sharply on Friday after reports emerged that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is expected to release findings suggesting a potential link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism. The Wall Street Journal reported that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to announce these findings later this month.
In response to the report, Kenvue's stock fell over 10%, reaching its lowest level in more than a year. The company stated, "We have continuously evaluated the science and continue to believe there is no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism."
A spokesperson for HHS commented, "We are using gold-standard science to get to the bottom of America's unprecedented rise in autism rates. Until we release the final report, any claims about its contents are nothing more than speculation."
Medical experts have noted that while some studies have explored potential associations between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders, the evidence remains inconclusive. Dr. Christopher Zahn, chief of clinical practice for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, stated, "There is no clear evidence that proves a direct relationship between the prudent use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and fetal developmental issues."
In 2023, a U.S. District Judge dismissed lawsuits alleging that prenatal exposure to Tylenol caused autism, citing a lack of scientific evidence.
Kenvue advises expecting mothers to consult healthcare professionals before taking any over-the-counter medications, including acetaminophen.