Medtronic has acquired Advanced Uro-Solutions, a privately-held developer of neurostimulation products for the treatment of bladder control issues based in Elizabethton, USA. Terms of the acquisition agreement, which closed in December 2014, were not disclosed.
Advanced Uro-Solutions develops and manufactures the NURO percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation system, which consists of a small external stimulator and a single, reusable lead to provide temporary stimulation to the tibial nerve. This therapy is 510(k) cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat patients with overactive bladder and associated symptoms of urinary urgency, urinary frequency and urge incontinence. Medtronic is preparing to launch the NURO system in the USA within the next 12 months.
“The acquisition of Advanced Uro-Solutions expands Medtronic’s portfolio of treatment options for those suffering from chronic symptoms of overactive bladder,” said Linnea Burman, vice president and general manager, gastro/urology therapies at Medtronic. “Medtronic continues to invest in fully-implantable bladder control and bowel control therapies, and the addition of the NURO system to our existing portfolio of products will introduce more people suffering from bladder control issues to the benefits of neuromodulation.”
Since 2009, Advanced Uro-Solutions has been led by two founders, Brent Laing and John Green.
“Studies show that roughly 80% of patients prescribed oral medications to treat their overactive bladder symptoms have stopped taking them at 12 months, and Medtronic shares our commitment to advancing neuromodulation and increasing patient access to advanced solutions intended to treat their symptoms,” said John Green, former chairman and chief executive officer of Advanced Uro-Solutions. “We are excited to take this step toward making this important therapy available to patients around the world.”
