Merit Medical Systems Enters Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Market with $105M Acquisition of EsophyX Z+ Platform

Recently, Merit Medical Systems announced that it had signed an asset purchase agreement with EndoGastric Solutions.The agreement involves a total cash consideration of $105 million (approximately RMB 760 million) for EndoGastric Solutions’ EsophyX Z+ device.

EsophyX Z+ Device (Image source: EndoGastric Solutions official website)

The endoscopic gastrointestinal disease treatment sector, where EsophyX Z+ is positioned, represents a market that Merit Medical has not yet entered.This acquisition will strengthen Merit Medical’s product portfolio in its existing specialty areas while expanding its presence in the gastrointestinal market.

For EndoGastric Solutions, partnering with Merit Medical has not only broughtSignificant economic benefits, while also enhancing market influence.It will also expand the sales channels for EsophyX Z+, increase market share, and consolidate its market position in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.

Merit Medical Chairman and CEO Fred P. Lampropoulos stated that it is expected from the completion of the acquisition to the end of this year,This business will contribute approximately $13 million to $15 million in revenue to the company.

GERD is a common digestive tractDisease. This primarily refers to symptoms such as acid reflux and heartburn caused by the regurgitation of gastric and duodenal contents into the esophagus. This condition can lead to esophagitis and damage to extra-esophageal tissues, including the pharynx and airways, resulting in symptoms such as sore throat, hoarseness, cough, and even dysphagia.Symptoms.

According to data from the Merck Manual,This condition affects 10–20% of adults worldwide. Some infants are born with the disease.

GERD is typically managed with pharmacological therapy, including acid-suppressive agents, prokinetics, and mucosal protective agents, which help protect the gastroesophageal lining and reduce refluxate, thereby alleviating discomfort in patients with mild or intermittent symptoms.For patients who are refractory to medical therapy, have severe symptoms, or present with complications, treatment with fundoplication should be considered.

EsophyX Z+ is a surgical device that reconstructs the gastroesophageal valve via fundoplication.This device can precisely create a 3 cm, 270° esophagogastric fundoplication. This surgical approach is not only effective but also eliminates the need for traditional open abdominal surgery, significantly reducing patient discomfort and accelerating recovery.This proprietary EsophyX Z+ surgical technique is also known as Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF)^®）。

EsophyX Z+ for TIF 2.0 Procedure (Image source: EndoGastric Solutions official website)

As of 2022, a total ofOver 35,000 timesTIF 2.0 procedure. According to data from multiple peer-reviewed studies,Most patients undergoing the TIF 2.0 procedure are able to discontinue daily medication within five years postoperatively.. This not only demonstrates that EsophyX Z+ can safely replace traditional surgery, but also highlights the device's unique advantages in terms of durable efficacy.

Minimally invasive approaches for treating GERD vary; in addition to the TIF procedure, there areRadiofrequency TherapyandElectrical Stimulation MethodTwo types,Mederi Therapeutics Inc.andEndoStimHas established a presence in this field.

Mederi Therapeutics Inc. previously developed the Stretta esophageal radiofrequency ablation system,Radiofrequency thermal therapy applied to the gastroesophageal junction can induce tissue destruction and regeneration, promote collagen shrinkage and remodeling, and block neural pathways.exerts a therapeutic effect on GERD.

Stretta is delivered via endoscopy, enabling precise, focal treatment through needle electrodes. Furthermore, the procedure takes only 30–40 minutes, offering a short treatment time. It does not cause subsequent complications such as bleeding, perforation, or dysphagia.

Eight-year follow-up data show that 80.7% of patients completely discontinued proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy four years after Stretta radiofrequency treatment, and 76.9% of patients remained completely off PPIs eight years post-treatment.This therapy is recommended by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons as the preferred endoscopic treatment for GERD patients who have failed fundoplication.

In addition, EndoStim also launched a neuromodulation therapy system, the EndoStim System.This device employs a technical approach distinct from Stretta, primarily delivering mild electrical signals via a wire to the weakened or dysfunctional lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to provide long-term reflux control for the treatment of GERD.

Therefore, the EndoStim System, pre-programmed with stimulation algorithms, is placed in the distal esophagus via laparoscopic surgery. The device automatically stimulates the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce reflux. During follow-up visits, physicians can adjust the stimulation therapy at any time through wireless programming.

Long-term clinical results of the EndoStim® System with up to five years of patient follow-up demonstrate that esophageal sphincter stimulation is safe and effective in controlling GERD symptoms and improving quality of life for most patients.The device was granted the “Breakthrough Device” designation by the FDA in 2022.

Currently, there are no domestically produced minimally invasive treatment products for GERD.However, institutions such as the PLA General Hospital (301 Hospital), Zhongshan Hospital, and Gulou Hospital have already conducted research and clinical practice on endoscopic radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of GERD, achieving favorable outcomes. With the continuous advancement of medical technology and enhanced innovation capabilities in China, it is believed that more domestically produced minimally invasive products for GERD will be launched in the future, providing patients with higher-quality treatment options.

Practitioners in this field are welcome to scan the QR code to add us on WeChat and connect with VCBeat: