Johnson & Johnson (J&J) reported on April 5, 2024, that it has entered an agreement to acquire Shockwave Medical, a company in the cardiovascular medical device sector, in a deal totaling a reported $13.1 billion. The deal would further expand J&J into the cardiovascular treatment market.

Shockwave Medical has developed intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) technology, designed to address calcified plaque in blood vessels. The catheter-based treatment utilizes sonic pressure waves to disrupt calcified lesions, reportedly potentially restoring blood flow, reducing procedure times, and improving patient outcomes. By integrating Shockwave Medical’s technology into its portfolio, Johnson & Johnson stated that it aims to enhance its offerings in cardiovascular care and strengthen its position in this market segment.

Tim Schmid, Executive Vice President and Worldwide Chairman of J&J MedTech, stated in a press release, “Shockwave offers a truly differentiated opportunity to further enhance our leadership position in medtech, expand into additional high-growth segments, and ultimately transform the future of cardiovascular treatment.”

Cardiovascular disease reportedly remains a significant global health concern with a growing demand for advanced treatment options. By incorporating Shockwave Medical’s IVL technology, J&J reports that it seeks to address this need and provide healthcare professionals with additional tools for managing complex cardiovascular conditions. “As part of a larger, more diverse organization, with broad expertise and a core focus on improving patient outcomes, we are confident we will be able to further solidify IVL as the global standard of care for patients,” says Doug Godshall, President and CEO of Shockwave.

The deal marks J&J’s second major medtech acquisition in the past roughly 15 months after acquiring heart device maker Abiomed in December 2022 in a deal worth $16.6 billion. In November 2023, J&J also acquired Laminar, another cardiac-focused medtech company, for an initial payment of $400 million.

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