Medtronic announced today that it has entered into an exclusive US distribution agreement with Contego Medical. Under the agreement, Medtronic will be the sole US distributor for Contego’s portfolio of commercially available products, which provide revascularisation treatment for carotid and peripheral vascular disease.
The agreement also includes an increased investment in Contego and an option to acquire the company. Medtronic has held a minority investment in Contego since 2020.
“Contego’s innovations—backed by excellent data—are transforming how carotid disease is treated, and complement the Medtronic peripheral and stroke protection portfolio,” said David Moeller, senior vice president and president of Medtronic Peripheral Vascular Health, which is part of the company’s Cardiovascular portfolio. “This strategic agreement with Contego Medical expands our commitment to this fast-growing carotid market, and exemplifies Medtronic’s steadfast dedication to advancing innovation and enhancing patient care.”
This agreement includes Contego’s portfolio of commercially available products, including the recently US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Neuroguard IEP system—a unique, three-in-one carotid stenting system that combines a high-performance stent, post-dilation balloon, and an integrated embolic protection (IEP) filter—as well as Excipio peripheral thrombectomy devices.
Medtronic’s press release notes that the Neuroguard IEP system is backed by clinical data demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the system, with PERFORMANCE I and PERFORMANCE II investigational device exemption (IDE) trial data consistently recording “unprecedented low event rates”—including zero major strokes, zero neurologic deaths, and zero stent thromboses up to two-year follow-up.
Additionally, Contego is currently evaluating the Neuroguard IEP system with a next-generation direct transcarotid access and protection system—TCAR-IEP—to demonstrate advanced stroke protection regardless of vascular approach, in the PERFORMANCE III trial. The Neuroguard IEP Direct system is currently limited by federal law to investigational use only and is not commercially available in the USA.
“This strategic agreement marks a significant milestone for both Contego Medical and Medtronic. By combining our innovative product portfolio with Medtronic’s extensive market presence and clinical leadership, we are positioned to revolutionise revascularisation treatment in the carotid and peripheral vascular disease space,” said Ravish Sachar, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Contego. “This partnership enhances our ability to deliver state-of-the-art solutions to patients and reinforces our commitment to expanding access across the USA.”
Medtronic intends to leverage its peripheral vascular and neurovascular commercial teams to distribute Contego’s portfolio of products in spring 2025, the release adds.
