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SmartTRAK Life Sciences News and Analysis Blog

1 min read

Knees Take a Hit: Q220 Total Joints Market Recap

By Lisa Mahan on 9/3/20 9:30 AM

The full force of elective procedure shutdowns blasted away at the Total Joints Market in Q220, but Knees took the biggest hit as a higher percentage of knee replacements are considered elective.

As a result of COVID-19, elective procedure shutdowns in early Q220 blasted away at revenue results for the US Total Joints Market. When the dust settled, the US Market for Hips and Knees was down -41.9% according to SmartTRAK Financial Dashboard. US Knees experienced the biggest hit due to its exposure from a higher percentage of elective procedures compared to Hips. US Hips did not come through unscathed but suffered less damage.

Among the many topics covered in the comprehensive Q220 Total Joints Market Recap* are:

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4 min read

COVID-Era Consolidation in Spine

By Julianne Burns on 8/20/20 10:19 AM

Tracking the surge of Spine M&A activity during COVID-19.

The med device market downturn related to COVID-19 has led to a notable uptick in M&A activity across the board, with a number of acquisitions that will impact the Spine market.

Recent Deals
Perhaps the most notable deal has been Medtronic's* (MDT) agreement to acquire Medicrea, a manufacturer of custom spine implants, for about €7.00 per share, a premium of 22% over the closing price of shares on July 14. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2020.

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8 min read

SmartTRAK Trauma Market Updates: A COVID-19 Recovery on the Horizon?

By Thomas Wallick on 8/18/20 8:00 AM

Although COVID-19 has disrupted the medical device market, with many elective procedures being postponed, SmartTRAK anticipates the Trauma market to recover in 2021 and beyond. We anticipate that US Trauma fracture fixation procedures will be only slighted impacted by COVID-19, resulting in nearly flat YoY growth from 2019 to 2020 and believe that 2021 procedures will return to normal. This will result in 2021 procedural growth rates being inflated at ~10% and 2022 experiencing normal growth trends as volumes begin to stabilize. 

The following is just a small sampling of the Trauma market updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted in real time last week by our SmartTRAK analysts. We constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, new products, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry.

Intramedullary Device w/ a Guided Growth System

A US Patent “Intramedullary device” was granted to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network of New South Wales, AU, describing a device system & method for providing stabilization of a bone & configured to allow extension of the device w/ the growth of the bone. 10,736,674

Ilizarov Method for Nonunion of the Tibia

Union was achieved at mean length of 8.3 mos in all 102 pts w/ tibial nonunion treated w/ an Ilizarov ex fix w/ 95.1% maintaining union at least 2 yrs post treatment leading a study to conclude the Ilizarov method is an excellent long-term option. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg

Inverted or Non-Inverted Triangle Configuration for Femoral Neck Fxs

A non-inverted triangular configuration of 6.5mm screws used in the fixation of femoral neck fxs carries a higher risk of bony violation than an inverted triangle configuration concluded a study of 72 cases. J Clin Orthop Trauma

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10 min read

MedTech Innovation in the Time of COVID

By Thomas Wallick on 8/11/20 8:00 AM

Despite the unprecedented challenges of the ongoing pandemic, and the collateral economic hit taken due to the massive decline in elective procedures in Q220, MedTech companies continue to innovate and introduce new products to the global life sciences industry.

The following is just a small sampling of the new products updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted in real time last week by our SmartTRAK analysts. We constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, new products, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry.

In Q220, Alphatec commenced upgrades of its cervical portfolio with 510(k) clearance of the Insignia Anterior Cervical Plate System and InVictus CT Spinal Fixation System, which expands InVictus across cervical, thoracic and lumbar procedures.

GMED has launched 6 new products in 2020 w/ strong uptake of HEDRON 3D printed IBD spacers as well as SABLE expandable MIS TLIF device. Globus is doubling its 3D manufacturing capacity which should come online in Q4. GMED Q220 Earnings Transcript on Seeking Alpha

Alpha launches for COHERE TLIF O and TLIF A are slated for 2020, expanding the Company’s proprietary porous PEEK platform. NUVA Q220 Earnings Transcript on Seeking Alpha

Topics: COVID-19
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8 min read

International MedTech News Updates: The Week in Review

By Thomas Wallick on 8/4/20 8:40 AM

The unprecedented challenges from the current resurgence of COVID-19 cases worldwide continues to concern the MedTech industry as it strives to develop ways to deal with a post-pandemic world. Despite the struggling global economy, demand for innovative medical devices and advanced technologies will continue to drive long term growth.
 
The following is just a small sampling of the updates from around the world compiled, reviewed and posted in real time last week by our SmartTRAK analysts. We constantly monitor the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry.
 
June in Russia

In the pharmacies in Russia, commercial drug June sales increased by 0.1% in value vs May 2020. Compared to June 2019, sales increased by 2.1%. The increase in the first 6 mos in 2020 was 13.9% vs the same period in 2019.

Teleconsultation in France

During the lockdown in April, 27% of all consultations were teleconsultations in France. Of doctors carrying out teleconsultations, 50% were under 50 yrs old, though that age group represents only 37% of all GPs.

MedTech World in Germany

MedTech companies in Germany expect sales to decline an avg of 8% in 2020 due to the pandemic, including 12% in int’l business according to a survey. Almost 60% of companies expect a double-digit drop.

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8 min read

Recovery Predictions, Elective Surgery and Future Outbreaks: COVID-19 Updates

By Thomas Wallick on 7/20/20 1:40 PM

As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses and continues to affect everyday life around the world, the path that lies ahead for the MedTech industry and the search for effective therapeutics and vaccines remains hard to predict.

The following is a small sampling of the updates compiled, reviewed and posted in real time last week by our SmartTRAK analysts. We constantly monitor  the worldwide MedTech industry, sifting through the noise to present to our subscribers the most relevant international news, trends, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry.

SVBLeerink Expects Q2 Recovery to Exceed Expectations 
Based on prelim Q220 MedTech Company results, SVB Leerink expects May/June COVID recovery to exceed expectations noting elective procedure shutdowns are regionalized and halts are not expected to be as bad or prolonged as in March/April. SVBLeerink Medical Supplies and Devices
 
Positive COVID-19 Vaccine Data Could Fuel Medtech Sectors

With 4 of the leading vaccine candidates expected to enter Phase 3 studies in July (Sinovac, Moderna, BioNTech/PFE, CanSino), Phase 2 data could be reported in summer/fall 2020. If +, WFS says it could be a catalyst for some medtech sectors in recovery of elective procedures.

Public Perception of Resuming Elective Surgery

A survey assessing public perceptions towards resuming elective surg found out of 722 people 61% were concerned w/ contracting COVID-19 during surg. Overall, 57% would have surgery at a hospital vs outpatient and 27% would undergo surg in the first mo of reopening. J Arthroplasty

Preparation for Future Outbreaks

The European Commission published a document about the preparedness of health systems in Europe for future COVID-19 outbreaks. Topics comprise testing, contact tracing, surveillance, accessibility of medical devices and capacity measures.

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5 min read

International Medtech News Roundup: Updates from Around the Globe

By Thomas Wallick on 6/29/20 9:18 AM

As the international response to COVID-19 shifts to preparing for a potential second wave, the Medtech industry pushes forward with the development and approval of new devices. The following is just a small sampling of the past week's international updates that were curated, compiled, reviewed and posted throughout the day by the expert analysts at SmartTRAK. They sift through the noise to discover the latest international news, industry trends, financial data and competitor developments in the global Life Sciences industry.

Pandemic Reserve in Germany

In Germany, as a result of the past months, BVMed proposed to the Minister of Health to build stock for masks and protective equipment for 6 months to be used in pandemics.

How To Build Wound Care Knowledge

The Odense University Hospital in Denmark built up a blended learning concept in wound care for nurses to support them in gaining confidence when carrying out wound care. E-learning modules, study visits and workshops are mixed to address the needs.

Medical Device Promotion in France

In France, The National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) published a guideline on how advertising visas should be handled for medical devices during the state of emergency (until July 10, 2020) and through the year.

Restricted China Export Boost Local Market

Freight costs have increased dramatically during the COVID-19 outbreak. Chinese medical dressing export are mainly low cost, less advanced dressings. Manufacturers are now looking more to grow sales on their local China market, to replace imported more advanced dressings.

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6 min read

The Week in Wound Care: New Studies, Products and COVID-19 Impacts

By Thomas Wallick on 6/8/20 7:37 PM

As the world begins to reopen from COVID-19, the wound care industry is making progress on new medical devices and studies. The following is a small sampling of Wound Care segment updates from the past week that were compiled, reviewed and posted in real-time by our SmartTRAK analysts, who are constantly monitoring the situation and sifting through the noise to present the most relevant news to our subscribers.
 
Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders - CMS COVID-19 
  • The Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders requested that CMS allow HOPDs and MDs to bill for furnishing dNPWT during the COVID-19 pandemic when providing wound assessment and instruction to patients in their home on the application of dNPWT via telehealth.
  • The Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders submitted comments to CMS COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Interim Final Rule. The Alliance supported the Agency’s implementation of many policies while also pursuing clarification on several specific provisions.
Pressure Injury in China

A study of 1,806 nurses from 10 hospitals in China on nurses' knowledge, attitudes and behaviors for promoting PI-prevention found 41.7% had insufficient PI-prevention knowledge, 46.6% had negative PI-prevention attitudes, and 21.8% had poor PI-prevention behavior. J Clin Nurs

Improved Textured Breast Implants

Establishment Labs’ US Patent Application “TEXTURED SURFACES FOR BREAST IMPLANTS” was published, describing irregularly-textured breast implants with significantly improved cellular response over current textured implants. 20200170771

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4 min read

This Week in Ortho: Projecting the Market's COVID-19 Recovery

By Thomas Wallick on 6/1/20 6:53 PM

As access to healthcare continues to open up, the orthopedic industry is taking significant precautions to insure the health, safety and piece of mind of patients and caregivers and balance that with its attempt to ramp up services and procedures. The following is a small sampling of the orthopedic updates compiled, reviewed and posted in real-time by our SmartTRAK analysts, who are constantly monitoring the situation and sifting through the noise to present the most relevant news to our subscribers:

Updated Survey Data Points to Recovery by Q420

WFS’ new survey of 623 US-based physicians (15 specialties) shows that in orthopedic, the % of procedures expected to be postponed due to COVID-19 for both TKR and THR declined from 94% (Wave 1) to 85% (Wave 2). WFS MedTec: Updated Survey Data Points to Recovery by Q420

Impact of COVID-19 on the Spine Market

Of deferred spinal fusion procedures, surveyed surgeons now expect 74% of cases to be performed at a later date w/ 26% cancelling. Reasons for cancellation include pt seeking treatment w/ a different surgeon (26%) and underlying condition improving (23%). WFS MedTech Survey

Robotic Procedures Affected by COVID-19

Based on its survey of 623 US-based physicians across 15 specialties between April 27 and May 8, WFS notes that in general the % of robotic & laparoscopic procedures across all specialties declined compared to pre-COVID 19 levels, while the % of open procedures increased.

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7 min read

COVID-19: Vaccines, Testing and the Future for MedTech

By Thomas Wallick on 5/26/20 8:00 AM

With social distancing and travel restrictions easing worldwide, and WHO warning of a possible second peak of the pandemic, the work continues on potential vaccines to prevent COVID-19 and treatments for those already affected by the virus. The following is a small sampling of the COVID-19 updates compiled, reviewed and posted in real-time by our SmartTRAK analysts, who are constantly monitoring the situation and sifting through the noise to present the most relevant news to our subscribers:

Remdesivir Shortens Recovery Times in COVID-19 

Preliminary results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of IV remdesivier in adults hospitalized w/ COVID-19 and lower respiratory tract infection showed remdesivir was superior to placebo in shortening recovery times (11 days vs 15 days; p=0.001). NEJM

Orthopedic Surgery During COVID-19

This JBJS article discusses medically necessary orthopaedic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic and recommends safe surgical practices and a classification to guide tx. JBJS

US Plans Massive COVID-19 Testing Effort to Deliver Vaccine by YE20

The US plans a massive testing effort involving more than 100K volunteers and ~6 of the most promising vaccine candidates in an effort to deliver a safe and effective one by YE20, compressing what is typically 10 yrs of vaccine development/testing into a matter of months. Reuters

COVID-19: Vaccine Shows Promise in Early Trial

Moderna reports preliminary data suggests its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and appears to be eliciting an immune response in test subjects. The FDA has given the Company approval to begin a Phase II study w/ ~600 volunteers. A Phase III study may begin by July. NPR

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