Intuitive Surgical, Fosun Pharma To Jointly Develop Robotic-Assisted Medical Devices

By Jof Enriquez,
Follow me on Twitter @jofenriq

Intuitive Surgical, maker of the minimally invasive robotic surgery platform da Vinci Surgical System, says it is launching a joint venture with long-time Chinese distribution partner Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical to research, develop, and market new robotic-assisted, catheter-based medical devices.

The two companies will contribute up to $100 million toward the partnership, which initially will focus on devices to help physicians in the early diagnosis and cost-effective treatment of lung cancer, one of the most common cancers globally. Lung cancer ranks among the top five types of cancer among both men and women, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Advances in surgical oncology — including minimally invasive robotic surgery — are likely to favorably impact different stages of cancer care in coming years. Intuitive Surgical and Fosun Pharma believe that robotic-assisted medical devices based on catheters, especially, will prove beneficial in detecting cancer early for patients in China and elsewhere.

“We are pleased to expand our partnership and advance the development of medical tools to enhance the wellbeing of global populations, including those in China that suffer from increased rates of lung cancer,” said Fosun Pharma Chairman Chen Qiyu in a news release. “The cooperation will boost the development of Fosun Pharma’s medical device sector by integrating branding concept, matching resources and leveraging complementary advantages with Intuitive Surgical, so as to bring better medical tools for doctors.”

Research and development, as well as manufacturing and distribution in China, will be based in Shanghai, where the joint venture will be based. Fosun Pharma's subsidiary Chindex Medical Limited has been distributing Intuitive Surgical products in China since 2011, and the joint venture expands this relationship. Distribution outside of China will be conducted by Intuitive Surgical, according to the Sunnyvale, CA-based company.

“We are excited to deepen our partnership with Fosun Pharma focused on delivering innovative healthcare solutions in China and around the world,” said Dr. Gary Guthart, President and CEO of Intuitive Surgical. “We are proud to make this important long-term commitment to China.” 

Medtech and healthcare companies are seizing the growth opportunities in China and other emerging markets through local partnerships, putting up manufacturing facilities and R&D centers despite some current economic jitters. Medical device giant Johnson & Johnson has an existing R&D center in Shanghai.

“The key is to pair local insight with their existing global capability, which is a significant undertaking,” Rahul Sathe, Head of Surgical Innovations at Cambridge Consultants, told MDO recently. “The future will see large R&D teams being hired, trained, and focused solely on-and-in emerging markets.”