Medtronic Buys Bladder Stimulation Firm

Medtronic has acquired Advanced Uro-Solutions, a privately held developer of neurostimulation products for the treatment of bladder control problems, for an undisclosed sum. The deal purchase complements Medtronic’s existing neuromodulation product line, which includes the InterStim bladder control therapy.

The Elizabethtown, Tenn., company’s flagship product is the NURO percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation system, a small external stimulator that stimulates the tibial nerve via a single reusable lead. The product has been FDA-cleared to treat patients with symptoms of overactive bladder, including urinary urgency and frequency and urge incontinence. Medtronic plans to launch NURO in the U.S. within the next 12 months.

NURO could offer a significant new option to the 37 million American adults with overactive bladders, Medtronic said. Research shows that about 80 percent of patients who are prescribed medication to treat the condition stop taking it within the first year.

“Medtronic shares our commitment to advancing neuromodulation and increasing patient access to advanced solutions intended to treat their symptoms,” he said. “We are excited to take this step toward making this important therapy available to patients around the world.

The deal closed in December. — Elizabeth Orr