Key facts
- Johnson & Johnson's Ottava robotic surgical system received U.S. FDA marketing authorization.
- The device is authorized for use in procedures including gastric bypass, gastrectomy, and gallbladder removal.
- J&J plans to launch the system commercially in the U.S. with select customers.
- The company aims to expand the system's indications and launch in global markets like Japan and Western Europe.
- Ottava's robotic arms integrate into the operating table, occupying less space than traditional systems.
Johnson & Johnson has entered the U.S. robotic surgery market after its Ottava robotic surgical system received marketing authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This move signifies a key step for J&J's medtech business as it seeks to compete in a market currently led by Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci system, with Medtronic also having an approved robot.
The Ottava system is authorized for various general surgery procedures in the upper abdomen, including gastric bypass, gastrectomy, and gallbladder removal. J&J plans to initiate a U.S. commercial launch with select customers and aims for rapid global launches in markets such as Japan and Western Europe, with the current global robotic surgical procedure penetration at 8%.
Key selling points for Ottava include its integrated robotic arms directly into the operating table, resulting in a smaller footprint—30% to 50% less space than traditional boom-and-cart-mounted systems. This design could allow robotic surgery in operating rooms previously unable to accommodate such systems.
Analysts acknowledge the device's interesting features, such as its smaller footprint. However, some, like J.P. Morgan analyst Robbie Marcus, suggest that Intuitive Surgical remains the preferred choice due to established physician relationships and integration into hospital workflows. Marcus also noted that J&J might await approval for urology indications before a full launch, similar to Medtronic's strategy.