Johnson & Johnson to Discontinue LINX Reflux Management System Outside the U.S. Despite Recent FDA Label Expansion

Bloomberg reported: Johnson & Johnson plans to stop salesIts gastroesophageal reflux product---Linx, excluding the United States. Johnson & Johnson issued an open letter to the medical community on September 17, announcing that it would gradually cease the sales of Linx in overseas markets by the end of March 2026.

Johnson & Johnson's decision to withdraw this time is based on commercial considerations and is not related to the safety or effectiveness of the equipment.LinxIt is a flexible magnetic ring composed of tiny magnetic beads, which is implanted around the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent and treat acid reflux. Clinical studies have confirmed this.LinxCan effectively treat gastroesophageal reflux disease with or without Barrett's esophagus.

Johnson & Johnson believesLinxProvides a new alternative drug treatment for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Although traditional medications can control or suppress gastric acid secretion, they cannot address the pathogenic mechanism of weakened lower esophageal sphincter function.Linxbut can solveThe problem of weakened esophageal sphincter function is currently the best treatment.Surgical Solutions for Esophageal Reflux Disease.

Therefore, Johnson & Johnson acquired Torax in March 2017 (i.e.LinxDevelopment Enterprises), but this time Johnson & Johnson did not disclose the transaction amount. After the acquisition, Johnson & Johnson began to promote on a large scale globally.Linx，AndContinuously ExpandingLinxIntended Use. Last year, the FDA expandedLinxIntended use, which can be used for treatmentBarrett's Esophagus (BE) patients with symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). CurrentlyLinxMore than 40,000 implant surgeries have been completed globally.

Due toLinxA unique solution, thus also attracting Chinese companies to follow suit with this product. Despite over a decade of development, no domestically produced similar products have yet been seen on the market.

LINXIt is a magnetic bead for treating gastric reflux through minimally invasive surgery. It is placed during the minimally invasive surgery.Lower Esophageal SphincterThe surrounding flexible small magnet ring does not require changes to the stomach's anatomical structure. The magnetic force of the magnetic beads is designed to helpLower Esophageal SphincterClosed to prevent gastric acid reflux. When swallowing LINXCan be temporarily opened to allow food and liquids to pass through.

LINXComposed of a titanium shell, titanium wire, and permanent magnet core, the patient undergoes implantation.LINXVarious imaging examinations can still be performed, such as X-rays, ultrasound, PET, CT, and MRI (up to 1.5T), etc.

Characteristics of LINX Technology

• Permanent magnetic cores provide permanent mutual attraction, allowing the product to be used for a long time.
• The product's unique Roman arch design ensures it does not damage surrounding tissues.
• Using the inert metal titanium for medical implants to cover the magnetic core and as titanium wire for connections.
• Adopting a unique fastening device, it will not come off under the action of magnetism.
• The use of bent titanium wire structure provides better roundness when expanded.

• Mechanical Tensile Strength:>3.0Pound

• Corrosion Test: ≥1276mv/SCE
• Surface Analysis: Oxide Thickness ≥50A
• Fatigue Test:2190000Secondary Salivary Swallowing+1095000Food Swallowing

Johnson & Johnson has always been committed to addressing the most complex health challenges globally. For a century, we have advanced surgical care through innovative products such as wound closure, hemostatic assistance, surgical stapling devices, robotics, and digital solutions. Collaborating with clinical experts worldwide, we continuously revolutionize surgical techniques to better meet patient needs in metabolic diseases, cardiovascular conditions, oncology, and reconstructive surgery.