Johnson & Johnson's subsidiary Ethicon has agreed to acquire medical devices maker Torax Medical for an undisclosed sum.
Torax Medical produces and markets Linx reflux management system and Fenix continence restoration system.
Linx system is a minimally invasive device designed for use in the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The system includes small implant that features interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores, which will enhance the natural barrier function of the body to prevent reflux.
Linx will allow Ethicon to provide patients with an alternative to the anatomy-altering laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication surgical procedure.
Fenix system is a flexible ring of magnets that will support weak sphincter muscle, enabling to close the anal canal to prevent accidental bowel leakage.
The system also includes flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores, which will be placed around the anal canal in the closed position.
Subject to approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary closing conditions, the deal is expected to complete by the end of this quarter.
In January, Ethicon also acquired medical device firm Megadyne Medical Products that develops and produces electrosurgical tools used in operating rooms.
Megadyne manufactures monopolar and bipolar electrodes, patient return electrodes, generators and smoke evacuation systems.
Ethicon produces surgical technologies and solutions such as sutures, staplers, energy devices, trocars and hemostats, which can be used to treat medical conditions like obesity and cancer.
Image: Ethicon to acquire medical device company Torax Medical. Photo: courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.