Transaction expands Covidien’s market leading portfolio with next generation technology for treatment of varicose veins
Covidien plc has announced that it has acquired Sapheon, Inc., a privately-held developer of venous disease treatments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Based in Morrisville, N.C., Sapheon develops and manufactures the VenaSeal system, which uses a specially formulated medical adhesive to close the great saphenous vein in patients with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The procedure is performed with a minimally invasive catheter technique under ultrasound guidance in an office or outpatient setting. In many cases, patients are able to resume normal activity immediately after the procedure. Additionally, the procedure requires no tumescent anesthesia (a technique that requires multiple injections to deliver local anesthesia) and often results in less bruising than traditional thermal energy treatment.
“Sapheon will significantly enhance Covidien’s global Peripheral Vascular business by providing additional treatment options for physicians and their patients who suffer from CVI,” said Brian Verrier, president, Peripheral Vascular, Covidien. “Sapheon’s technology is complementary to our current portfolio, and this acquisition further demonstrates Covidien’s leadership in the CVI space. Our technologies are supported by industry leading clinical evidence, robust global physician training and a superior customer support infrastructure.”
The VenaSeal system is currently approved in Canada, Europe and Hong Kong, and more than 2,000 patients have been treated with the system. Additionally, Sapheon successfully completed enrollment and follow-up of its VeCLOSE randomized pivotal clinical trial inthe United States and submitted documentation to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in support of a Premarket Approval. The VenaSeal system is currently limited to investigational use in the United States.
While the transaction will be slightly dilutive to adjusted earnings, it is not expected to be material to results. Covidien will report the Sapheon business as part of its Peripheral Vascular product line in the Medical Devices segment.
“If left untreated, varicose veins can progress into a chronic and life threatening condition,” said Mark Turco, M.D., chief medical officer, Vascular Therapies, Covidien. “The VenaSeal system is a minimally invasive technology, and unlike open surgery and other more invasive procedures, patients are often able to quickly regain their lifestyle.”
In addition to Covidien’s investments in product innovation, the company continues to invest in educational campaigns to encourage those suffering from CVI to learn more about their condition and speak to their doctor about treatment options.
