DePuy Synthes Launches its First Active Spine Robotics and Navigation Platform

The dual-use robotics and standalone navigation platform will become part of the VELYS™ Enabling Technologies Portfolio and integrate with existing J&J MedTech Spine products

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Aug. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Johnson & Johnson MedTech* announced that DePuy Synthes, The Orthopaedics Company of Johnson & Johnson**, is launching a proprietary dual-use robotics and standalone navigation platform developed in collaboration with eCential Robotics. The system, called the VELYS™ Active Robotic-Assisted System (VELYS™ SPINE), received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is intended for use in planning and instrumenting spinal fusion procedures in the cervical, thoracolumbar and sacroiliac spine.

This new spine technology was designed to help surgeons tackle their most complex challenges. The VELYS™ SPINE system is dual use, meaning it features both a standalone navigation and an active robotics platform that can enable surgeon flexibility in their approach and plans. Active robotics allows for surgical guidance tailored to surgeon preference. The distinctive features and capabilities of active robotics technology are set to establish a new standard in spine surgical care.

"We are shaping the next frontier of orthopaedic innovation with a relentless focus on digital advancements and excellence in the field of surgical robotics and navigation. Our dedication extends to enhancing patient care through significant strides in spine surgery," said Aldo Denti***, Company Group Chair, DePuy Synthes. "This is a major step in growing our VELYS™ Portfolio and in our commitment to supporting spine surgeons and their patients with advanced tools."

The VELYS™ SPINE system is designed to address the uniquely complex needs of spine surgeons; the system offers a customizable experience with pathology-specific workflows, aided by capabilities such as VELYS™ ADAPTIVE TRACKING TECHNOLOGY and VELYS™ Trajectory Assistance. It will be used with the DePuy Synthes core Spine portfolio of products, including the TriALTIS™ Spine System and Navigation Enabled Instruments, the SYMPHONY™ Occipito-Cervico-Thoracic (OCT) System, VIPER PRIME™ System and EXPEDIUM VERSE^® Systems.

"Today's landscape of enabling technologies features first-generation robotics systems that may face challenges in adapting to individual surgeon needs," said Russell Powers^†, Worldwide President, Spine, DePuy Synthes. "We recognize the urgent need for innovative solutions that offer new ways to engage with enabling technologies, returning control to surgeon's hands. We believe that the unique features and capabilities of active robotics technology will set a new standard in surgical care for spine patients everywhere."

Starting today, the VELYS™ SPINE system will be displayed throughout the U.S. in the MedTech Innovation Experience mobile lab, alongside other technologies and products currently available in DePuy Synthes' comprehensive Spine portfolio. The MedTech Innovation Experience offers hands-on learning opportunities to surgeons, fellows, residents, and other healthcare professionals. Commercial availability is expected in the first half of 2025. Learn more about the VELYS™ SPINE system at www.ActiveRoboticAssistance.com.

About Johnson & Johnson MedTech

At Johnson & Johnson MedTech, we unleash diverse healthcare expertise, purposeful technology, and a passion for people to transform the future of medical intervention and empower everyone to live their best life possible. For more than a century, we have driven breakthrough scientific innovation to address unmet needs and reimagine health. In surgery, orthopaedics, vision, and interventional solutions, we continue to help save lives and create a future where healthcare solutions are smarter, less invasive, and more personalized. For more information, visit https://thenext.jnjmedtech.com/.

About DePuy Synthes

DePuy Synthes, The Orthopaedics Company of Johnson & Johnson, provides one of the most comprehensive orthopaedics portfolios in the world that helps heal and restore movement for the millions of patients we serve. DePuy Synthes solutions, in specialties including joint reconstruction, trauma, extremities, craniomaxillofacial, spinal surgery and sports medicine, in addition to the VELYS™ Digital Surgery portfolio, are designed to advance patient care while delivering clinical and economic value to healthcare systems worldwide. Building on our proud product innovation and legacy of industry firsts, we are reimagining the orthopaedic landscape with new advancements in medical technologies and digital surgery across the entire continuum of care to Keep People Moving today and tomorrow. For more information, visit www.depuysynthes.com.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the VELYS™ Active Robotic Assistance platform. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of DePuy Synthes, Inc., Medical Device Business Services, Inc. and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: uncertainty of commercial success; challenges to patents; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; manufacturing difficulties and delays; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of DePuy Synthes, Inc., Medical Device Business Services, Inc. nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

*DePuy Synthes represents the products and services of DePuy Synthes, Inc. and its affiliates.

**Comprising the surgery, orthopaedics, vision, and interventional solutions businesses within Johnson & Johnson's MedTech segment.

***Aldo Denti is an employee of Medical Device Business Services, Inc.

^†Russell Powers is an employee of Medical Device Business Services, Inc.

Important Information: Prior to use, refer to the instructions for use supplied with the device(s) for indications, contraindications, side effects, warnings and precautions.

© DePuy Synthes 2024. All rights reserved. US_DPS_DGSR_387724

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SOURCE DePuy Synthes