eCential says its open, modular platform allows it to collaborate with technology companies and implant manufacturers. | Source: eCential Robotics
Enovis Corp., a medical technology company, this week said it entered into a binding offer to acquire eCential Robotics for €155 million, over $180 million U.S. eCential offers a modular surgical robotics platform for bone surgery.
The acquisition would add robotic capabilities to Enovis’ASTRAtechnology platform. The Lewisville, Texas-basedcompanydescribed ASTRA as a “constellation of technologies and services” for orthopedics. Enovis said adding automation will create a more comprehensive ASTRA ecosystem.
“As the market and customer demands continue to evolve, it has become clear that providing surgeons with optionality across the enabling technology spectrum is important,” Damien McDonald, the CEO and director of Enovis, said in a conference call. “Supplementing our existing platform by providing a robotic solution will only accelerate our position in the market and broaden our strategic options as we innovate in this space in the future.”
Gières, France-based eCential was founded on more than 15 years of innovation in computer-assisted surgery and orthopedic robotics. Thecompanyhas developed a modularplatformdesigned to advance the next generation ofrobotic-assisted surgery.
Its technology has been used in spine and knee surgeries. Earlier this year, physicians at the Surgery Center of Hackensack started using eCential’s systems to perform advanced robotic spineproceduresin an ambulatory surgery center.
McDonald noted the acquisition wasn’t just about acquiring a robot.
“We’re accelerating our pathway to bring a robotic platform to market by acquiring talent, intellectual property, and advanced capabilities, which gives us strategic flexibility as we plan for the next innovation horizons in Orthopedics,” he said. “eCential also brings an exceptional team of over 50 employees with a robust track record of designing, developing, and facilitating the launch of three robotic platforms across orthopedics and spine.”
Enovis claimed that eCential’s expertise in robotics engineering, software development, and surgical automation will enhances its technology portfolio while adding capabilities that accelerate its robotic innovation.
“We’ll bring the next-generation robot to market within two years, first in the knee, where the form factor and product requirements are well understood by the market and eCential already has a validated technology,” McDonald said. “Soon thereafter, we’ll follow in the shoulder.”
Enovis said that eCential’s robotic arm, which offers seven degrees of freedom, will help differentiate its offerings in the market.
McDonald also noted that eCential owns the roboticcontrollayer of its technology. Because eCential owns this layer, the software will be easier to integrate into the ASTRA system.