Johnson & Johnson acquires medical device company behind new LAA technology for $400M
Johnson & Johnson MedTech has acquired Laminar, a California-based healthcare technology company known for its investigational left atrial appendage (LAA) elimination technology, for $400 million. The deal could also include additional clinical and regulatory milestone payments in the years ahead.
Johnson & Johnson MedTech is Johnson & Johnson's large medical device division. Once this deal is finalized, Laminar will be a part of Biosense Webster.
LAA occlusion is a common treatment for reducing the risk of stroke among patients presenting with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib) who are unable to tolerate oral anticoagulants. Laminar’s technology, which has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), uses rotational motion to eliminate the patient’s LAA. Data from an early feasibility study that examined the safety and effectiveness of the Laminar technology was presented at TCT 2023 in San Francisco. After 45 days, researchers reported that there were no cases of death, stroke, major bleeding or other adverse events. In addition, the study’s primary efficacy endpoint suggested that the device was associated with a high success rate.
A U.S. pivotal study is already in the works; it has been approved by the FDA and should begin enrolling patients in early 2024.
“For the millions of people living with AFib, stroke risk is a major concern,” Randy Lashinski, president and CEO of Laminar, said in a statement. “The team at Laminar is driven by our vision to develop and deliver an innovative solution to help patients live without the fear of stroke, or the need for long-term use of blood thinners. We are looking forward to advancing this vision as part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech.”
“We are excited to welcome Laminar to Johnson & Johnson MedTech,” added Jasmina Brooks, president of Biosense Webster. “Laminar’s innovative approach will provide Biosense Webster the opportunity to expand our portfolio in this high growth market, complement our electrophysiology and Intracardiac Echo strengths, and deepen our presence with interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists.”
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.