Johnson & Johnson Medical Advances Digital Surgery with Robotic-Assisted Spinal Solutions Benefiting Chinese Patients

Shanghai, September 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson, a global leader in healthcare, has joined hands with TINAVI, the leader in China’s orthopedic robotics market, and Shanghai Renji Hospital, one of the earliest hospitals in China to perform robot-assisted spinal surgeries, to sign a strategic cooperation agreement. The parties will establish a Clinical Technology Application Center for Robot-Assisted Spinal Surgery to jointly promote robotic surgical procedures, conduct specialized training, implement standardized surgical certification, and develop curriculum systems and teaching materials. This collaboration aims to support the nationwide dissemination of advanced robotic surgical technologies and application experience to more medical institutions across China, thereby enhancing healthcare quality through digital smart medicine and better meeting patient needs.

This marks another significant milestone since Johnson & Johnson Medical and TINAVI signed a commercial R&D and collaboration agreement last October, bringing TINAVI’s differentiated robotic solutions for spine and trauma surgeries to the Chinese market. Furthermore, under this partnership, the Tianji® Orthopedic Surgical Robot recently achieved its “first sale” in China. Compatible with both 2D and 3D surgical planning modes, this robot offers flexible movement and a wide working range, making it extensively applicable for precise positioning in full-segment spinal surgeries and trauma orthopedic procedures. When used in conjunction with Johnson & Johnson’s orthopedic implants, the Tianji® Orthopedic Surgical Robot assists physicians in achieving millimeter-level precision. It demonstrates distinct advantages in minimally invasive techniques and high-risk areas, effectively reducing surgical risks and complications.

As one of the earliest multinational corporations to enter the Chinese market since the reform and opening-up, Johnson & Johnson has been deeply rooted in China for 35 years. While accelerating the introduction of globally leading products and technologies, the company continues to deepen innovative collaborations with local partners. Song Weiqun, Chairman of Johnson & Johnson China, stated, “Johnson & Johnson has always been committed to exploring new frontiers in digital surgery, consistently focusing on and investing in innovative technologies that meaningfully enhance the quality of healthcare, thereby benefiting patients and surgeons in China. This strategic partnership marks another significant milestone in the implementation of Johnson & Johnson China’s ‘Growth + Innovation’ dual-engine strategy. By joining forces with leading domestic digital surgery companies and hospitals, we will better promote the adoption and implementation of cutting-edge technologies and products in the healthcare sector, ultimately serving the public. In the future, Johnson & Johnson will continue to accelerate the deployment and widespread application of leading medical innovations, build innovative platforms for academic exchange and advanced talent training, and contribute to the construction of a Healthy China.”

As the digital wave, empowered by artificial intelligence and big data, continues to flourish, the application of digitalization in the healthcare sector is poised for broader expansion. Surgical robot platforms will further usher in a new era of surgical procedures, creating greater development opportunities for healthcare companies, including Johnson & Johnson. In October 2019, Johnson & Johnson announced its strategic positioning of China as a “Global Innovation Engine,” becoming the first Fortune Global 500 company to strategically deploy innovation within the Chinese market.