Shares of Kenvue fell over 10% on Friday following a Wall Street Journal report that Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may soon suggest a link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and autism.
The report, expected later this month, could claim that acetaminophen—the active ingredient in Tylenol—used by pregnant women may be connected to autism in children. It may also propose that a folate-derived medication could help treat symptoms of the developmental disorder, according to the Journal.
An HHS spokesperson responded, emphasizing that the agency is relying on “gold-standard science” to investigate the rise in autism rates in the U.S. “Until we release the final report, any claims about its contents are nothing more than speculation,” the spokesperson said.
Kenvue pushed back against the reported findings, stating it has “continuously evaluated the science” and maintains that there is “no causal link” between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. The company noted that both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and leading medical organizations support the drug’s safety when used as directed during pregnancy.
The FDA has stated there is no “clear evidence” that acetaminophen use during pregnancy causes developmental or behavioral problems, though it advises pregnant women to consult healthcare providers before using any over-the-counter medications.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also considers acetaminophen safe during pregnancy, when used appropriately and under medical advice.
While some studies have hinted at potential risks, other research has found no link between acetaminophen and autism. Lawsuits from parents alleging a connection were dismissed by a federal judge in 2023 due to lack of scientific support, effectively ending the litigation in 2024.
Kennedy, who has made autism a central issue for HHS, pledged in April to identify the cause of the “autism epidemic” by September. He also announced a global research initiative involving hundreds of scientists.
BNP Paribas analyst Navann Ty noted Friday that proving a direct causal link remains unlikely, especially in light of the recent legal rulings in Kenvue’s favor.