Johnson & Johnson: Guidant acquisition falls apart

Johnson & Johnson's proposed $25.4 billion acquisition of Guidant has turned from bad to worse since July, with Guidant hit by a number of product recalls and even regulatory investigations. While the acquisition could still provide Johnson & Johnson with a stronger position in the lucrative medical device market, it appears the company is not willing to overpay for the asset.

Published By Datamonitor

Knee arthritis: acid therapy a great leap forward

Hyaluronic acid treatment is popular among patients in Japan, as it can reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and potentially delay knee surgery. But at present, the US and European market is highly under-penetrated. This looks set to change, as patients demand the treatment to reduce the need for arthritis drugs and delay the need for total knee replacement.

Published By Datamonitor

Knee implants: US market growing at 12-14% a year

Published By Datamonitor

Kyphon: nothing stopping X-STOP success

Medtronic has recently acquired US-based Kyphon, a medical devices maker. Its X-STOP product, an implantable device to ease back pain, will serve as an alternative to both laminectomy and non-surgical care for lumbar spinal stenosis. Datamonitor expects uptake to be driven by Kyphon's large sales force and favorable reimbursement issues, with sales reaching $514 million at peak in 2012.

Published By Datamonitor

Medical devices: Japanese price cuts on the way

While prices of orthopedic devices in Japan are certainly higher than those in the US and Europe, the manufacturers claim that heavy costs make the high prices a necessity. The industry is eagerly awaiting the outcome of US/Japan trade negotiations - but if these fail to halt the cuts, orthopedic firms will certainly take a large hit.

Published By Datamonitor

Medtronic: buying into artificial discs

Medtronic, the global leader in spinal implants, has bought Spinal Dynamics. The deal gives Medtronic the rights to Spinal Dynamics' Bryan Cervical Disc System - an artificial disc for the neck region of the spine. This system, available in Europe and undergoing an IDE study in the US, takes Medtronic into one of the most promising spinal technology areas.

Published By Datamonitor

Medtronic: consistently strong in medical devices

Published By Datamonitor

Medtronic: neurostimulation promising for advanced Parkinson's

A trial employing Medtronic's deep brain stimulation has demonstrated greater improvements than treatment with drugs in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. This technique poses a long-term threat to drugs targeting advanced-stage patients. However, the risks associated with surgery and small patient potential are expected to limit its near-term uptake.

Published By Datamonitor

Medtronic: spinal product stands up to tests

Medtronic looks set to gain FDA approval for its new InFuse spinal fusion product. The revolutionary device offers advantages to both patients and physicians. While the FDA's recommendation comes with conditions, and there are concerns about reimbursement and surgeon acceptance, the savings in money, time and pain are likely to make Infuse a success.

Published By Datamonitor

Mobile bearing knees: over 76,000 to be sold in Europe in 2005

Published By Datamonitor