Eight Things That Will Fix Medtech Investing

The last five years have been brutal ones for medical device VCs and entrepreneurs, yet there’s still cause for hope. In a series of interviews, we asked venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and executives: what gives you hope and what makes you optimistic about the future of medtech?

The timing of the news could not have been worse. In January, just a few days before the health care industry was set to meet at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, renal denervation – one of the highest profile sectors in medtech – imploded on news that Medtronic PLC’s Symplicity hypertension device didn’t perform well in clinical studies. The news was a kick in the face to an investment sector already on its hands and knees. (See Also see "SYMPLICITY Results Make Life Difficult For Renal Denervation Programs" - In Vivo, 24 January, 2014..) Dissemination of the disappointing trial results happened to coincide with the meteoric post-IPO performance of Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc., yet another success story that just highlighted the differences between the medtech and biopharmaceutical sectors.

Where did things go so wrong? Clearly, the Symplicity trial results are something future device VCs and executives will see...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Strategy

Boston Scientific Raises Outlook … Again: Headwinds Offset By EP And Watchman

 

Agent drug coated balloon, Watchman product sales, and electrophysiology (EP) business unit growth offset Acurate discontinuation and tariff headwinds. CEO Michael Mahoney shouted out coronary therapies business and answered questions on CMS proposed Ambulatory Surgical Center codes.

Medtech M&A Resurges: How To Define Startup Exit Strategy

 

The medtech M&A landscape is experiencing a resurgence fueled by significant capital from private equity and venture firms, says Alex Wakefield, CRO of AcuityMD. Building strong relationships with physicians remains crucial in medtech, and defining an exit strategy early is imperative.

Intuitive Surgical Sees Early Wins With Da Vinci 5, Lifts FY25 Guidance As Tariff Impact Eases

 
• By 

For the full year, the company now expects tariffs to increase the cost of sales by approximately 1% of revenue, plus or minus 20 basis points. This is lower than the previous estimate of approximately 1.7% of revenue. The updated gross margin guidance for 2025 is 66%-67%, up from 65%-66.5%.

Private Equity Firm Archimed To Buy ZimVie As Antitrust Concerns Sideline Strategic Buyers

 
• By 

Archimed will acquire dental implant firm ZimVie for $730m in a deal that reflects private equity’s growing role in medtech M&A, as strategic buyers face antitrust scrutiny. The deal includes a 125% premium and a 40-day window for competing offers.

More from Business

Intuitive Surgical Sees Early Wins With Da Vinci 5, Lifts FY25 Guidance As Tariff Impact Eases

 
• By 

For the full year, the company now expects tariffs to increase the cost of sales by approximately 1% of revenue, plus or minus 20 basis points. This is lower than the previous estimate of approximately 1.7% of revenue. The updated gross margin guidance for 2025 is 66%-67%, up from 65%-66.5%.

Private Equity Firm Archimed To Buy ZimVie As Antitrust Concerns Sideline Strategic Buyers

 
• By 

Archimed will acquire dental implant firm ZimVie for $730m in a deal that reflects private equity’s growing role in medtech M&A, as strategic buyers face antitrust scrutiny. The deal includes a 125% premium and a 40-day window for competing offers.

Opinion: Catch A Fraudulent Scientist -- If You Can

 
• By 

As AI tools make research fraud and résumé fraud easier than ever, life sciences companies need to take steps to protect themselves. Snedden Campbell CEO Ivor Campbell has some tips on successful strategies.