Kenvue Stock Plummets 10% following RFK Jr.’s Autism Report Focus
September 5, 2025 – Kenvue shares fell approximately 10% today after Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. prioritized investigating a potential link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder. Kennedy has pledged that HHS will “no what has caused the autism epidemic” by September and eliminate exposures, launching what he described as a “massive testing and research effort” involving hundreds of scientists globally.
The focus on acetaminophen, the generic name for Tylenol, has reignited concerns despite existing scientific consensus. Kenvue stated it has “continuously evaluated the science and [continues] to believe there is no causal link” between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. The company emphasized that the Food and Drug Governance (FDA) and leading medical organizations “agree on the safety” of the drug, its use during pregnancy, and the facts provided on the Tylenol label.
The FDA website states the agency has not found “clear evidence” that appropriate acetaminophen use during pregnancy causes “adverse pregnancy,birth,neurobehavioral,or developmental outcomes,” while advising pregnant women to consult their health-care providers before using over-the-counter drugs. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also maintains that acetaminophen is safe during pregnancy when taken as directed and after consulting a health-care provider.
Previous studies have yielded mixed results, with some suggesting potential risks to fetal advancement. Lawsuits alleging a connection between Tylenol use and autism have been filed by some parents, but a federal judge in Manhattan ruled in december 2023 that some of these lawsuits lacked scientific evidence, ultimately ending the litigation in 2024. Other research has found no association between acetaminophen use and autism.BNP Paribas analyst Navann Ty noted in a Friday report that proving causation “is high, especially given that the litigation previously concluded in KenvueS favor.”
Kennedy has also taken steps to change vaccine policy in the U.S. and has amplified false claims about safe and effective shots that use mRNA technology, according to reporting from CNBC.
