Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Verily Life Sciences (formerly Google Life Sciences) have created a new independent surgical solutions firm, Verb Surgical.
The new firm was established based on the previous strategic collaboration between J&J’s medical devices firm Ethicon and Google Life Sciences, which was announced in March this year.
Based in Mountain View of California, the company will be supervised by board of directors under the leadership of president and CEO Scott Huennekens.
Huennekens said: "By maximizing the distinct capabilities of these two market-leading companies, we aim to develop novel technologies and solutions to help improve the standard of care around the world. Our name speaks for itself."
Verb Surgical will involve in the development of comprehensive surgical solutions platform, which will integrate leading-edge robotic capabilities and best-in-class medical device technology for operating room professionals.
Ethicon, which is involved in developing minimally invasive surgery and advanced instrumentation, will help Verb Surgical to develop new robotics-assisted platform.
The company intends to develop new technologies in collaboration with surgeons and hospitals to enable better patient outcomes, improve access to minimally invasive surgery, and achieve greater hospital efficiency.
Ethicon and Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC have provided funding for the new company, while Ethicon and Verily have lent intellectual property, in-process R&D assets, and other resources to Verb Surgical, including managerial, technological, and surgical expertise.
Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices worldwide chairman Gary Pruden said: "We believe Verb Surgical has the potential to change the future of surgery, not just robotic surgery."
Image: J&J and Verily have formed a new independent surgical solutions firm, Verb Surgical. Photo: courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.