Medical Devices Today

Spine Market: A Perfect Storm

Article preview reprinted Medtech Insight - November, 2008

While most Wall Street analysts predict that the current economic crisis will have little effect on the spine industry over the long haul, there are storm clouds on the horizon that should put spine product manufacturers on guard.

Can Nanotech Be a Game-Changer for In Vitro Diagnostics?

Article preview reprinted from Start-Up - November, 2008

People have awakened to the opportunities in diagnostics. Molecular information offers the potential for increased test sensitivity, and reduced upfront sample prep using nanotechnology could provide the means for many gene- and protein-based diagnostic tests to transition out of the central lab.

Northstar's Second Chance

Article preview reprinted from IN VIVO - November 2008

For Northstar Neuroscience, which is exploring new approaches for neurostimulation devices, the decision to take the money and run when the device IPO window was open in 2006 has meant the difference between survival or closing up shop.

FDA Teams With WebMD For Wider Dissemination Of Product Safety Info

Full article reprinted from "The Gray Sheet" - December 8, 2008

Find out how FDA will reach a vastly larger audience for product safety alerts through a new partnership with the popular health information Web site WebMD, announced Dec. 3.

Device Reps Should Limit Their Role In The Operating Room, Says Surgeon

Full article reprinted from "The Gray Sheet" - December 8, 2008

Find out how device company representatives have a legitimate role in the surgical suite, but many overstep, according to surgeons speaking at a meeting in Washington, D.C., Dec. 3.

Edwards’ Mitral Valve Repair Device Withdrawn, Under Scrutiny

Full article reprinted from "The Gray Sheet" - December 8, 2008

Find out how Edwards Lifesciences removed a mitral valve repair device from the market in October and submitted a 510(k) for the product in the midst of an FDA inquiry into whether the device was being marketed without proper clearance.

Health Care Trends: Cost Control Measures in Full Swing

Article preview reprinted Medtech Insight - October 2008

Find out how affordability drives medical devices purchases and use. Even the most remarkable devices can see a tremendous downturn in usage is reimbursement is lowered.

The Golden Age in Cancer Medtech Investing

Article preview reprinted from Start-Up - November 2008

Short of investing in the kinds of products that must demonstrate five-year survival rates, the field of cancer offers many near term investment opportunities, and large markets to support them.

Public Device Companies Take a Hit, But Still Stand

Article preview reprinted from IN VIVO - November 2008

Find out how the health care sector has traditionally provided a haven for investors seeking the security of an industry blessed with a rock solid customer base. After all, consumer confidence plays a limited role in the bulk of health care decisions.

Deal of the week: J&J's Ethicon buys Omrix for $438mm in cash

Deal summary reprinted from Strategic Transactions - November 2008

Find out how Johnson & Johnson has agreed to acquire Israeli biomaterials and immunotherapeutics company Omrix for $25 per share (a 24% premium) in cash for each of its 17.5mm outstanding shares, for a total of $438mm or seven times its 2007 revenues of $61.7mm on earnings of $11.9mm.