Johnson & Johnson Targets Robotic Surgery Market with Ottava Platform
Johnson & Johnson has revealed its plan to enter the robotic surgery market with its Ottava platform. The company aims to file for an investigational device exemption (IDE) with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the second half of 2024 to initiate clinical trials. Ottava is positioned as a competitor to Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci system, which has dominated the robotic surgery market for over 20 years. J&J’s Ottava robot will be compatible with their Ethicon surgical instruments.
After experiencing delays in Ottava’s development earlier this year, resulting in layoffs in their robotics business, J&J is looking to make progress with this new timeline. CFO Joe Wolk acknowledged the need for improvement in the soft tissue robot segment. The submission of the IDE will mark a significant step forward for J&J and potentially challenge Intuitive’s market dominance.
J&J’s strategy relies on leveraging its expertise in surgical devices to generate interest in Ottava. With a 135-year history in surgical instrument manufacturing, the company aims to capitalize on its reputation and established presence in operating rooms worldwide. Ottava’s design allows for easy integration into existing operating room setups, featuring four robotic arms that operate with a standard size surgical table. The arms can be conveniently stored beneath the table when not in use. The system also permits patient repositioning during surgery without interrupting the procedure.
The robotic surgery market in the United States is estimated to be worth nearly $5 billion. Analyst Shagun Singh from RBC Capital Markets highlights J&J’s potential for growth, citing the company’s surgical portfolio, procedure volume growth, and the increasing adoption of minimally invasive surgery aided by robotics.
In addition to Ottava, J&J’s robotic portfolio includes the Monarch platform for bronchoscopy and urology procedures, as well as the Velys orthopedic system.
What is the Ottava robotic surgery platform?
The Ottava robotic surgery platform is Johnson & Johnson’s answer to Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci system. It is designed to work in conjunction with J&J’s Ethicon surgical instruments.
When will clinical trials for Ottava begin?
Johnson & Johnson plans to file for an investigational device exemption (IDE) with the FDA in the second half of 2024 to initiate clinical trials for Ottava.
How does Ottava compare to Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci system?
Ottava aims to challenge Intuitive Surgical’s market dominance in robotic surgery. Johnson & Johnson is counting on its leadership in surgical devices and its 135-year history in instrument manufacturing to generate interest in Ottava.
What are the advantages of Ottava’s design?
Ottava’s design allows it to be easily integrated into any operating room setup. The platform features four robotic arms that operate with a standard size surgical table and can be stored beneath the table when not in use. Additionally, the system enables patient repositioning during surgery without interrupting the procedure.