Johnson & Johnson Completes First Patient Enrollment in Ottava Surgical Robot IDE Study, Challenging Intuitive's Dominance

Apr 14, 2025 22:15 CST Updated 22:15

Johnson & Johnson

Healthcare Product Manufacturers, Health Service Providers

Johnson & Johnson Announces Its Soft Tissue Surgical RobotOTTAVACompletion of the first patient cohort enrollment (IDE study) marksOTTAVAThe first clinical application.

PI Evaluation

"Surgical robots are at the forefront of innovation in minimally invasive surgery. I am honored to have completed the first clinical research cases with OTTAVA, which is expected to help elevate the standards of surgical robotics technology."

---Erik Wilson UT Health Houston

Executive Evaluation

"Reaching this important milestone in our robotic surgery program is a source of great pride. OTTAVA is a key innovation in the portfolio of advanced surgical technologies — all designed to transform the practice of various surgeries. Our team works side-by-side with operating room teams around the world every day, committed to raising the standard of patient care and leading the future of surgery."

---Hani Abouhalka Chairman of the Surgical Business Group, Johnson & Johnson Medical Technologies

"As a company rooted in the intersection of biotechnology, the generation of clinical evidence is at the core of our innovative projects to advance patient surgical techniques. We are honored to collaborate with surgeons through this clinical research to gather evidence supporting the continuous scientific advancement of robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery."

---Peter Schulam Chief Scientific Officer of Johnson & Johnson Medical Technology

The data of this study aims to verifyOTTAVAThe ability to perform diverse surgeries. Upon completion of the research, the company plans to submit to the U.S. FDA.OTTAVAThe De Novo authorization application targets indications covering multiple upper abdominal general surgeries, such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, small bowel resection, and hiatal hernia repair.

OTTAVATo be approved by the FDA for an IDE study by the end of 2024.OTTAVAAiming to promote clinical innovation in general surgery, this is a strategic area for Johnson & Johnson.OTTAVACommitted to addressing unmet needs in current robotic surgery and supporting complex procedures. Its unique unified architecture, surgical instruments developed with Ethicon's expertise, and future connectivity with the Polyphonic digital ecosystem all aim to align with patient care requirements and surgeons' clinical pathways.

InUnder the impact of Intuitive and China's integration, Johnson & Johnson's surgical business has been declining year by year. Its performance in the third quarter of last yearSurgical sales were only$2.507 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 0.9%. This business became the only negative growth segment in the medical device sector, whereas the orthopedics business still saw a 2.1% growth last year. In China, Johnson & JohnsonUnder the impact of Chinese enterprises and the Trump administration's tariff policies, the surgical business can basically be declared over in the United States.Intuitive Starts to Dominate Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic in High-Value Areas, Such as Endoscopic StaplersIntuitive surpasses. In the future, active devices such as ultrasonic scalpels and electrocautery will also beIntuitive surpasses, if Johnson & Johnson doesn't make a move in the soft tissue surgical robot field.

For Johnson & JohnsonSurgical Business inOTTAVAUpBefore the market, it may face the risk of long-term business contraction. Therefore, for Johnson & JohnsonIn terms of surgical operationsOTTAVAOnly success is allowed, no failure; once failed, it could face the fate of being dismantled.

However, MedTF is looking forward to Johnson & Johnson.The resurgence of surgical operations is closely linked toIntuitive: A Clear Distinction.

OTTAVA

OTTAVAThe surgical robot, equipped with four mechanical arms, is able toFour robotic arms are integrated into a standard-sized operating table.This kind of invisible structural design allows the robotic arm to be fixed on the operating table when needed, and stored under the operating table when not in use.The design eliminates mobility and collaboration barriers in robotic operating rooms, offering surgical teams the freedom and flexibility to adapt to clinical workflows and personalized patient needs.

OTTAVAHidden ArchitectureDesignSimilar toCMR SurgicalTheVersius。OTTAVAAdopting a zero-footprint design to increase operating room space and improve operating room workflow.OTTAVAThe robotic arm can be fixed on the operating table when needed, and removed when not in use.Stored under the operating table during the procedure.

OTTAVAThe "Dual Motion" function --- unified movement of the operating table and robotic arm --- is designed to meet critical clinical needs for the surgical team during surgery, such as the ability to reposition the patient without interrupting the procedure.

Johnson & Johnson

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.