Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) subsidiary Ethicon announced that it received FDA breakthrough device designation for its microwave ablation technology.
The transbronchial microwave ablation technology, which is currently under development, utilizes robotic-assisted bronchoscopy. Johnson & Johnson’s acquisitions of NeuWave Medical and Auris Health allowed the company to bring the robotic surgical and microwave ablation technology together to develop the new breakthrough device, according to a news release.
Ethicon’s NeuWave microwave ablation system treats soft tissue lesions, having already performed more than 45,000 procedures to date. Meanwhile, the Monarch platform — the first robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system introduced in the U.S. — offers reach into the periphery of the lung with continuous real-time vision, precision and control.
“Through our commitment to transform patients’ lives, Johnson & Johnson is advancing innovative solutions with a focus on the prevention, interception and cure of some of the world’s most complex, life-threatening diseases,” global head of the Johnson & Johnson lung cancer initiative Dr. Avrum Spira said in the release. “This promising convergence of technologies offers an exciting opportunity to catalyze new approaches and solutions to improve patient outcomes, and we look forward to evaluating this device in a comprehensive clinical development program.”