Amgen-Horizon Deal Challenge Paused by FTC for Settlement Talks

The Federal Trade Commission said it would pause its in-house proceedings to block Amgen Inc.’s $27.8 billion takeover of Horizon Therapeutics Plc, opening the door to settlement talks that could resolve the agency’s challenge to the deal.

The agency issued an order late Friday pausing the in-house case until Sept. 18. The suspension will allow Amgen and Horizon to propose a settlement to the FTC’s three commissioners that would negate the need for further litigation.

In a statement, Amgen said it has no intention to bundle Horizon’s drugs with its own.

“We would be pleased if our commitment ...