Johnson & Johnson MedTech has announced a revised timeline for the development of its highly anticipated Ottava system, a robotic surgical tool designed for the global market. The company plans to seek FDA approval for U.S. clinical studies in the second half of next year. Initially scheduled for a late 2022 debut, Ottava’s launch was delayed due to technical difficulties and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ottava is the result of a partnership between Johnson & Johnson and Verily, an affiliate of Google focused on life sciences. Formerly known as Verb Surgical, the project aimed to revolutionize the field of surgery with its digitized and data-driven approach, which they referred to as “Surgery 4.0.” Johnson & Johnson acquired the project in December 2019, buying out Verily’s stake.
The Ottava system aims to compete with established players such as Intuitive Surgical, known for its da Vinci system, as well as contenders like Medtronic and CMR Surgical. While competitors have developed modular and portable solutions, Ottava takes a different approach by integrating the hardware directly into a standard-sized patient bed. Its “invisible design” incorporates robotic arms that can be stored underneath the surgical table when not in use, reducing the system’s footprint.
Equipped with J&J’s Ethicon surgical instruments, Ottava offers flexibility with four robotic arms and the ability to synchronize their movements with adjustments of the table, enabling clinicians to reposition patients without interrupting procedures. Once it receives regulatory approvals, Ottava will join J&J’s existing robotic portfolio, which includes the Monarch platform for lung endoscopy and the Velys robot for knee replacement surgeries.
FAQ:
Q: Who is developing the Ottava system?
A: The Ottava system is being developed by Johnson & Johnson MedTech.
Q: When can we expect Ottava to be available for U.S. clinical studies?
A: Johnson & Johnson plans to request FDA permission for clinical studies in the latter half of next year.
Q: What sets Ottava apart from other surgical robots?
A: Ottava stands out for its integrated design, fitting directly into a standard-sized patient bed and incorporating four robotic arms that can be stored under the surgical table when not in use.
Q: What other robotic surgical systems are in competition with Ottava?
A: Ottava is aiming to compete with Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci system, Medtronic’s Hugo robot, and CMR Surgical’s Versius robot.
Q: What other robotic systems are part of Johnson & Johnson’s portfolio?
A: Johnson & Johnson’s robotic portfolio includes the Monarch platform for lung endoscopy and the Velys robot for knee replacement surgeries.