Medtronic expands neurovascular portfolio with Scientia acquisition

Medtronic announced its entry into a definitive agreement to acquire Scientia Vascular, a company with critical, innovative technology across the neurovascular portfolio. The acquisition is valued at $550 million, subject to customary adjustments, with potential undisclosed earn-out and milestone payments post-acquisition.

Scientia is a private company operating in Salt Lake City, Utah, with approximately 310 employees. Under founder and current chief technology officer John Lippert, the company has developed access products that enable simplicity and access for physicians treating complex neurovascular conditions. Scientia's portfolio of guidewires and catheters can be seamlessly integrated with Medtronic's existing suite of neurovascular products, strengthening the company's ability to support physicians across the full procedural workflow.

In stroke treatment, every second matters. With each second of restricted blood flow, the brain loses millions of brain cells. Today, stroke is the third leading cause of death and leading cause of disability worldwide.

Unlike vessels in many other parts of the body, cerebral vasculature is highly complex and tortuous, creating significant challenges for physicians attempting to reach the site of an occlusion or aneurysm. Difficult access can delay therapy delivery and impact procedural success.

Scientia's novel access platform is designed to address these challenges by improving navigability through complex anatomy and simplifying neurovascular procedures. By enabling faster and more reliable access, these technologies improve procedural efficiency.

"Medtronic is thrilled to acquire Scientia to accelerate meaningful innovation in neurovascular care," says Linnea Burman, senior vice president and president of Medtronic's Neurovascular business, which is part of the Neuroscience Portfolio at Medtronic. "This acquisition positions Medtronic with a full suite of products. It builds a strong foundation for Medtronic and supports procedures across both hemorrhagic and acute ischemic stroke. Medtronic's best-in-class therapies, combined with Scientia's leading access portfolio, will be incredibly powerful. With 12 million people globally suffering from stroke each year, we look forward to contributing to better patient outcomes around the world."

"As a company committed to improving patients' lives, we are humbled and excited for what's ahead," says Rick Randall, CEO, Scientia. "Scientia has developed critical technology that has been embraced by physicians. This deal allows us to take our engineering into disease states globally and positions Medtronic with a comprehensive portfolio and complete guidewire line. With the size and scale of Medtronic, the opportunity to treat more patients and drive more impact is truly exciting."