Shares of Kenvue, the Johnson & Johnson spinoff that owns the Tylenol brand, rallied after a sharp sell‑off triggered by a controversial statement from the White House. President Trump, alongside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS chief Mehmet Oz, announced that the pain reliever acetaminophen might be a "very big factor" in the development of autism when taken during pregnancy. The claim was billed as one of the biggest medical breakthroughs in U.S. history.
Trump administration’s autism‑acetaminophen announcement
During a Monday afternoon event at the White House, officials suggested that new research linked prenatal acetaminophen exposure to childhood autism. The rhetoric was dramatic – Trump said they had finally found "an answer to autism." Kennedy, who has a history of promoting unverified autism theories, vowed to pinpoint the cause by September, despite the broader scientific community’s agreement that autism does not have a single, identifiable trigger.
The announcement reignited a long‑standing debate that has periodically surfaced in medical journals and media reports. While some observational studies have hinted at a possible association, leading health agencies such as the FDA, CDC, and WHO continue to endorse acetaminophen as the safest over‑the‑counter pain reliever for pregnant women when used as directed. No regulatory body has issued a formal warning linking the drug to autism.
Kenvue’s swift rebuttal and market reaction
Within hours, Kenvue issued a strong statement rejecting the administration’s assertions. The company highlighted that “acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy” and that “rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals and global health regulators, confirms there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism.”
Investors initially reacted by pushing the stock down more than 5% on Monday, adding to a six‑month slide of roughly 25% that had already weighed on the company amid lingering speculation. However, the market quickly digested Kenvue’s defense, and the shares recovered, stabilising above the opening price by the close of trading.
Analysts note that the rebound reflects confidence in Kenvue’s defensive posture and the sheer financial importance of Tylenol. The brand accounts for about 42% of the company’s total revenue, anchoring its self‑care segment. With the product line firmly entrenched in pharmacies and households worldwide, short‑term sentiment spikes tend to smooth out unless a regulatory action directly curtails sales.
While the episode has stoked fresh public debate, the consensus among doctors remains unchanged: acetaminophen, when taken at recommended doses, poses no proven risk for autism. Kenvue has pledged to monitor the situation closely, continue supporting independent research, and protect its flagship product from misinformation that could harm both consumers and shareholders.
