Johnson & Johnson MedTech has announced the completion of the acquisition of Laminar, a medical device company focused on eliminating the left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF).
Johnson & Johnson MedTech acquired Laminar for an upfront payment of US$400 million, subject to customary adjustments, with additional potential clinical and regulatory milestone payments in 2024 and beyond. Laminar joins Johnson & Johnson MedTech as part of Biosense Webster.
The LAA is a small pouch in the left atrium of the heart and can be a source of clots that can enter the blood stream, potentially causing a stroke. The LAA is a major contributor to thromboembolic stroke in patients with non-valvular AF.
Unlike current commercial catheter-based procedure devices that use plugs to occlude the LAA, Laminar’s novel approach uses rotational motion to eliminate the LAA. Laminar recently received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the US pivotal study, which will begin enrolment in early 2024.
LAA closure is an FDA-approved therapy for reducing the risk of thromboembolism in AF patients who are recommended for chronic oral anticoagulation therapy but have an appropriate rationale to seek a non-pharmacologic alternative to chronic oral anticoagulants.
“For the millions of people living with AF, stroke risk is a major concern. The team at Laminar is driven by our vision to develop and deliver an innovative solution to help patients live without the fear of stroke, or the need for long-term use of blood thinners,” said Randy Lashinski, president & CEO, Laminar. “We are looking forward to advancing this vision as part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech.”
“We are excited to welcome Laminar to Johnson & Johnson MedTech,” said Jasmina Brooks, president, Biosense Webster. “Laminar’s innovative approach will provide Biosense Webster the opportunity to expand our portfolio in this high growth market, complement our electrophysiology and intracardiac echo strengths, and deepen our presence with interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists. Fuelled by the global scale and commercial and clinical strength of Biosense Webster, we are excited to explore the possibilities ahead to reach even more patients with critical unmet need.”
