GE HealthCare Stock Drops Despite FDA Approval for Pediatric Ultrasound Agent Ranking 380th in Trading Volume

On May 20, 2025, GE's trading volume reached 2.36 billion, marking a 33.89% increase from the previous day, ranking 380th in the day's stock market. GE HealthCare (GEHC) experienced a 1.71% decline, marking its second consecutive day of losses, with a total decrease of 1.75% over the past two days.

GE HealthCare recently received FDA approval for Optison, its polyethylene glycol (PEG)-free ultrasound enhancing agent, for use in pediatric patients. This approval expands the use of Optison, which was previously only approved for adults, to include pediatric patients with suboptimal echocardiograms. The approval was based on data from a phase 4 trial involving 37 pediatric patients aged 9 to 17 years old, demonstrating Optison's ability to enhance endocardial border delineation and improve left ventricular wall segment visualization.

Jit Saini, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the Pharmaceutical Diagnostics (PDx) segment of GE HealthCare, highlighted the significance of this approval, stating that it affirms the safety and efficacy of Optison in pediatric patients of all ages. This regulatory milestone expands the company's ability to offer advanced imaging solutions to a broader patient population, potentially driving stock gains for GE HealthCare.