RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Triangle-based Iqvia, a giant in the life science sector, is facing increasing scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission over its proposed buy of Propel Media, the owner of DeepIntent which focuses on digital advertising and has many clients in the pharma industry.

The news came in Politico and Fierce Pharma Marketing.

Politico disclosed the unannounced deal for up to $800 million was brokered last year.

“FTC staff have been investigating the deal for months, according to four people with direct knowledge of the matter and confirmed by IQVIA,” Politico reported.

Reacting to the reports, an Iqvia spokesperson told Fierce Pharma Marketing:

“We will continue to work with the FTC to obtain clearance for the acquisition, which will benefit customers by expanding choices available in the market and lead to more innovative solutions.”

Politico was first to report the news.

Last year Iqvia acquired Lasso Marketing, another digital ad company focusing on the pharma industry.

Read more at Fierce Pharma Marketing.