As pulsed field ablation transformed the electrophysiology market over the last year, Boston Scientific Corp. emerged as the biggest winner by far. In its fourth quarter earnings call on Wednesday, the company quantified just how successful its Farapulse PFA system has been.
Curently the only available blood test to tell which women are at risk of postpartum depression (PPD) is the one that confirms their pregnancy – and a one in seven chance of developing the condition which can have long-term implications for both mother and child. Research out of the University of Virginia and Weill Cornell Medicine could soon change that by identifying biomarkers in the third trimester of pregnancy that indicate which women have the greatest risk of developing PPD.
Concluding a two-year journey, Baxter International Inc.’s kidney care unit finally separated from the company and started a new life as Vantive, following the closing on Jan. 31 of its $3.8 billion sale to the Carlyle Group Inc.
Continuing a cascade of positive news for Stereotaxis Inc., the company reported the first order for its petite Genesisx robot in Europe. The system received CE mark in August, but management held off its launch until its Magic radiofrequency ablation catheter also received CE mark, which happened on Jan. 27. The two devices are used together to treat cardiac arrhythmias.
In a remarkably news-filled earnings call on Jan. 28, Stryker Corp. revealed plans to sell its U.S. and spinal implants business to Viscogliosi Brothers LLC for an undisclosed sum, announced the retirement of Chief Financial Officer Glenn Boehnlein on April 1, reported sales growth of 11% for the fourth quarter and 10% for the full year 2024 and said the $4.9 billion acquisition of Inari Medical Inc. should close by the end of February.
Lantheus Holdings Inc. is making waves in M&A with its second big deal of the month – and year – the acquisition of Evergreen Theragnostics Inc. for $250 million in cash up front and up to an additional $752.5 million in contingent payments. The transaction follows announcement of a definitive agreement to acquire Life Molecular Imaging Ltd., a subsidiary of Life Healthcare Group Holdings Ltd., on Jan. 13 for $350 million in cash at closing and a further $400 million in milestone payments.
With multiple large M&A deals already announced in January, CEOs of major med-tech companies outlining acquisition plans for 2025 and declining interest rates, the stage is set for a significantly more active year of M&A. Financings, too, have ticked up and analysts expect the trend to continue, offering hope for a positive year for the med-tech industry.
A pair of investor calls on Jan. 22 added clarity to the rapidly evolving cardiac ablation market with Abbott Laboratories and Johnson & Johnson providing updates on their pulsed field ablation programs. Both outlined challenges in the U.S. market that continue to place them at a disadvantage compared to current market leaders Boston Scientific Corp. and Medtronic plc, though bright spots also shone through.
Beta Bionics Inc. kicked off the new year with plans for an initial public offering of 7.5 million shares “as soon as practicable.” Expected to be priced at $14 to $16 per share, the IPO would gross $105 million to $120 million for the insulin delivery device maker.
Masimo Corp. selected Catherine (Katie) Szyman, an industry leader with deep med-tech roots, to guide the company as it seeks to rebuild its reputation and revenues following a gritty two-year battle for control. Current CEO Michelle Brennan will serve as chairman of the Masimo board. Brennan stepped up to lead Masimo after founder and former CEO Joe Kiani resigned following a shareholder vote that ousted him from his position of board chair as part of a protracted proxy battle between Kiani and Politan Capital Management LP.
