Codman Neuro, part of Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Synthes business unit, recently announced its acquisition of Neuravi Ltd., a privately-held Irish medical device company, for an undisclosed amount.  The Irish Times reported that the acquisition is the largest price paid for a European venture-backed medtech company since Medtronic’s $700 million buyout of CoreValve in 2009.  According to its website, Neuravi focuses on neurointervention therapies for acute stroke treatment.

Neuravi’s sale to Codman Neuro comes after several rounds of fundraising, in which Neuravi secured tens of millions of dollars for the development and commercializing of its EmboTrap Revascularization Device.  Neuravi explains that the EmboTrap Revascularization Device is a thrombectomy system designed to restore blood flow to the brain by capturing and removing blood clots.  In a 2016 press release, Neuravi CEO Eamon Brady quoted the most recent investment of $16.7 million as important for building a commercial presence in the U.S. and cited the “opportunity due to the under-developed stroke treatment ‘toolbox’ available to stroke clinicians today.”  The EmboTrap devices are now commercially available in Europe and are currently undergoing clinical trials in the U.S.  Speaking to the Irish Times regarding Neuravi’s acquisition, Justin Lynch, a partner of one of Neuravi’s early institutional investors, said:

This is a company that has knocked the ball out of the park. They have beaten every milestone, earlier and with less money that budgeted, which is almost unheard of in this business.

Neuravi’s revascularization devices appear to have successfully caught the attention of Codman Neuro.  Shlomi Nachman, Company Group Chairman of Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Cardiovascular & Specialty Solutions recently stated:

Rapid restoration of flow is of utmost importance when treating stroke patients . . . .  The EmboTrap platform was designed to address this critical need and we are excited to combine Neuravi’s expertise in clot research with Codman Neuro’s global resources to accelerate innovation in acute ischemic stroke treatment.

Codman Neuro describes its portfolio as including medical devices for hydrocephalus management, neuro intensive care and cranial surgery, and endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms and stroke, including aneurysm coils and vascular reconstruction devices.

Shortly before Codman Neuro’s acquisition of Neuravi, Integra Lifesciences announced that it plans to purchase Codman from Johnson & Johnson for $1.05 billion.  Integra explained that it intends the acquisition to expand Integra’s international presence.  Integra markets products in orthopedic extremity surgery, neurosurgery, and reconstructive and general surgery, including wound repair.  According to Integra’s press release,  Codman Neuros’ neurosurgery business generated $370 million in 2016 from the sale of neuro-critical care and electrosurgery devices.  Johnson & Johnson reported to Reuters that the deal with Integra excludes its neurovascular and drug delivery businesses.