Key developments in the pharmaceutical sector include Medtronic’s strategic $700 million investment in Cornerstone Robotics for global distribution of its Sentire surgical robot, and Akeso Inc.’s announcement that the HARMONi-2 Phase III trial of ivonescimab (AK112), a first-in-class PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, met its key secondary endpoint of overall survival (OS) in an interim analysis for first-line treatment of PD-L1-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Ivonescimab demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful OS benefit compared to pembrolizumab monotherapy, following earlier achievement of its primary PFS endpoint with a median PFS of 11.14 vs. 5.82 months (HR=0.51).

Medtronic has announced a strategic investment of approximately $700 million in Chinese surgical-robotics startup Cornerstone Robotics (Kangnuositeng) and secured distribution rights for its Sentire laparoscopic surgical robot in markets outside the U.S. In oncology news, Akeso reported that an interim analysis of overall survival (OS) in its Phase III HARMONi-2 study met the key secondary endpoint with statistical significance. The trial evaluates Akeso's PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody ivonescimab against pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment for PD-L1-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Global medical technology leader Medtronic has announced a strategic partnership with Chinese surgical robotics firm Cornerstone Robotics, investing approximately $700 million and securing distribution rights for the Sentire® robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery system outside the U.S. The Sentire® system, fully developed and manufactured in-house by Cornerstone, features 600° wrist articulation, a 27L master console workspace, and an immersive glasses-free 3D visualization system with 10x magnification. Already approved by China’s NMPA in 2024 and later by the EU CE and Singapore HSA in May 2026 for use in urology, general surgery, gynecology, and thoracic procedures, Sentire® complements Medtronic’s own Hugo™ RAS platform. This collaboration reflects growing recognition by multinational medtech giants of China’s innovation capabilities and supply chain strengths, following similar deals involving Johnson & Johnson and Cordis with domestic innovators.

Pum Medical's PADN-HF-PH randomized controlled trial, demonstrating a 51% reduction in clinical worsening risk for patients with pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease (PH-LHD), was simultaneously published in The New England Journal of Medicine and presented at ESC 2026 Hot Line. This marks the first time an Asian-originated cardiovascular device innovation has been featured in NEJM. Separately, Medtronic announced a strategic $700 million investment in Cornerstone Robotics, gaining distribution rights for its Sentire surgical robot outside the U.S., positioning Medtronic as the only company offering two distinct surgical robotics platforms globally.

China's medical device sector achieves major milestones as Pulnovo Medical publishes its PADN research in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), providing global clinical validation for pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment. Concurrently, Medtronic announces a landmark $700 million investment in Chinese surgical robotics firm Cornerstone Robotics. These developments highlight the maturing ecosystem of China's medical device industry, which is increasingly gaining global recognition through rigorous peer-reviewed research and attracting significant international strategic investment.

Medtronic reported Q1 FY2027 revenue of $9.756 billion (approx. RMB 65.6 billion), up 13.7% year-over-year, exceeding market expectations. All four business segments delivered double-digit growth: Cardiovascular ($3.927B, +19.5%), Neuroscience ($2.678B, +10.3%), Medical Surgical ($2.279B, +10.0%), and Diabetes ($843M, +16.9%). Cardiac ablation solutions surged 88%, fueled by Affera and Sphere-9 adoption and strong U.S. PFA momentum. The company raised its full-year organic revenue guidance to 7.25%–7.75% and announced strategic investments in surgical robotics firm Connexiotech and structural heart innovator Pi-Cardia.

On September 1, 2026, Medtronic announced a strategic partnership with Chinese surgical robotics company Cornerstone Robotics, investing approximately $700 million for distribution rights of the Sentire® robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery system outside the U.S. The Sentire platform features fully in-house developed core technologies, including the world’s first 5mm wristed instruments, 8mm 4K 3D fluorescence imaging, and proprietary force-feedback and direct-drive control systems. This investment complements Medtronic’s existing Hugo™ system, creating a dual-platform strategy that addresses diverse surgical specialties and economic markets. With regulatory approvals already secured in China (NMPA), Europe (CE), and Singapore (HSA), the deal accelerates Medtronic’s global surgical robotics rollout amid intensifying competition and strategic pressure on its traditional surgical device business.

From August 21 to 22, Consensus Surgical Robotics participated in the 11th Northwest Gynecologic Oncology and 18th Western Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Conference in Lanzhou, Gansu. The event brought together leading experts to discuss standardized treatment protocols, cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques, and clinical implementation of new technologies for gynecologic cancers. Consensus showcased its Sentire® robotic surgical system, featuring an integrated dual-channel endoscope for high-definition 3D visualization, a 'Smart Direct Drive' responsive control system, and 5mm articulating instruments for enhanced dexterity in confined pelvic spaces. The system supports precise dissection, tissue handling, and suturing in complex gynecologic oncology procedures. On-site simulation stations allowed surgeons to experience the platform firsthand, fostering dialogue on integrating robotic assistance into clinical practice. Consensus remains committed to advancing minimally invasive gynecologic surgery through clinician-driven innovation.

From August 21 to 22, 2026, Consensus Medical Robotics participated in the 27th Annual Meeting of the Urology Branch of Anhui Medical Association, held in Hefei as part of the association’s 80th-anniversary celebrations. The event brought together leading urologists from across China to discuss innovations in precision medicine, AI integration, and robotic-assisted surgery. Consensus showcased its independently developed Sentire® laparoscopic surgical robot system, which features an integrated dual-optical-path 3D visualization module, 'SmartDrive' responsive control system, and 5mm articulated instruments for enhanced dexterity in confined anatomical spaces. The system has demonstrated strong clinical stability and safety in high-complexity urological procedures at institutions such as the Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical Centre and Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. During the conference, Consensus engaged with experts on optimizing robotic surgical techniques, standardizing training, and deepening clinical integration, reaffirming its commitment to advancing minimally invasive urological care through homegrown innovation.

As robotic-assisted surgery rapidly advances, overcoming geographical and training venue limitations to provide high-quality, standardized education for more medical professionals has become crucial for broader adoption. On August 19, IRCAD Taiwan launched the DRIVE (Democratizing Robotics: Impact & Validation in Education) research initiative, leveraging Consensus MedTech's Sentire® robotic endoscopic surgery system to enable real-time remote connections between training sites. This collaboration establishes a scalable, interactive remote training network that allows trainees to participate in lifelike, hands-on procedures under expert guidance without travel. The DRIVE program also integrates objective, data-driven evaluation metrics to create a closed-loop system of standardized training, performance assessment, and iterative improvement—paving the way for a more accessible, measurable, and scientifically validated future for robotic surgical education.