Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Ethicon, Inc. completed the acquisition of Torax Medical, Inc., a privately held company that manufactures the LINX Reflux Management System for GERD prevention.
The minimally invasive device, which was developed at the Mayo Clinic and received FDA approval in 2012, is made of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores. The device, which is shaped like a ring, keeps stomach acids from entering the esophageal lining. GERD, or gastrointestinal reflux disease, impacts the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring that keeps stomach acid from rising into the esophagus.
The device is an alternative to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication surgery in which the upper curve of the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus and sewn into place.
Ethicon chose to acquire Torax as part of its strategy to expand its portfolio of minimally invasive options for patients suffering from serious medical conditions.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition closed in the first quarter.
“Millions of patients continue to suffer from GERD symptoms even when taking high dosages of medication to treat the acid reflux and are left with limited choices to improve their symptoms,” says Michael del Prado, group company chair of Ethicon. “This novel technology offers patients an attractive, minimally invasive surgical alternative that preserves gastric anatomy, establishes normal physiological function, and is reversible.”
