Sector News

J&J’s DePuy bolsters spine business with Sentio buy

June 29, 2017
Life sciences

Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Synthes has acquired Sentio, which makes nerve localization technology for spine surgery, for an undisclosed amount.

Nerve localization technologies help physicians avoid injuring nerves while performing spine procedures. Most systems use several needle electrodes in the patient’s limbs to locate motor neurons in the spine. They then generate signals that a neuromonitoring specialist interprets, guiding the surgeon.

However, neurologic complications persist in spite of these nerve localization systems, DePuy said in a statement. These complications, including pain or weakness in the hip or leg, result from the bruising or stretching of nerves near the surgical area. Temporary complications affect 9.4% of patients, while permanent complications are reported in 2.5% of patients, a study showed.

Enter Sentio, which uses adhesive sensors placed on the skin at relevant muscle groups and gives the surgeon feedback in real time. Sentio’s system does not require a specialist to set it up or to interpret signals.

“With Sentio’s nerve localization technology, DePuy Synthes will strengthen its spine portfolio in decompression procedures as well as lateral surgery, and build a platform for future innovation in minimally invasive surgery,” said Ciro Römer, DePuy Synthes chairman, in the statement. “The surgeon-driven approach will also help us reach more customers operating in an ambulatory surgery setting. This acquisition underscores our commitment to investing in differentiated technologies that help us reach more customers and patients around the world.”

Sentio initially focused on a narrow market in southeast Michigan, but DePuy plans to use its network to roll the system out globally.

By Amirah Al Idrus

Source: Fierce Biotech

comments closed

Related News

October 1, 2023

Clinical data from Boston Scientific and rivals could reshape pulmonary embolism market: analysts

Life sciences

After attending the annual Pulmonary Embolism Symposium last week in Austin, Texas, the analysts predicted clinical guidelines could shift toward catheter-based therapy once data from ongoing randomized trials is available.

October 1, 2023

AstraZeneca and SAS link up on AI and analytics

Life sciences

SAS – the AI and analytics company – has been selected by AstraZeneca to help boost efficiency and drive automation in the delivery of statistical analyses for clinical and post-approval submissions to regulatory authorities.

October 1, 2023

Will Big Pharma engage in Medicare price negotiations? Merck, AZ and BMS say they will

Life sciences

After the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revealed the list of drugs set to face the first round of price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the drugmakers responsible for marketing them are confronting a series of deadlines.

How can we help you?

We're easy to reach