Headquartered in Somerville, New Jersey, USA, Johnson & Johnsonâs (J&J) Ethicon subsidiary is the world leader in surgical sutures. In addition to its suture business which has been in existence for over 100 years, Ethicon has expanded into wound management, women's health and sterilisation products.
Currently, the company has four business units that operate under the Ethicon umbrella: Ethicon Products, Ethicon Women's Health and Urology, J&J Wound Management and Advanced Sterilization Products:-
Ethicon Products manufactures and sells products for wound closure and wound management, including sutures; and surgical mesh for use in general surgical applications such as hernia repair.
Ethicon Women's Health and Urology includes the previous Gynecare division and the Indigo Optima Laser System for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia previously offered by Ethicon Endo-Surgery. Women's healthcare products include less-invasive devices such as the Gynecare Thermachoice Uterine Balloon Therapy, Gyrus' VersaPoint Bipolar Electrosurgical System and Gynecare TVT for incontinence. The unit was expanded with the acquisition of Vascular Control Systems and its technology to treat uterine fibroids in May 2006.
Johnson & Johnson Wound Management offers advanced wound care products and a growing line of biosurgical and haemostasis products, including a range manufactured by OMRIX Biopharmaceuticals.
Advanced Sterilization Products manufactures a full range of sterilisation and disinfection technologies. Its sterilising systems are marketed under the Sterrad brand name. As revenue for Advanced Sterilization Products is included with that for Ethicon Endo-Surgery, this company's activities are detailed in the MDCA Ethicon Endo-Surgery Profile.
In addition, Ethicon used to be responsible for CardioVations, a manufacturer for cardiovascular surgical products and technologies for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and valve surgery. CardioVations was sold to Edwards Lifesciences in December 2007 for around US$27 million. CardioVations' portfolio includes port access products for minimally-invasive heart valve surgery such as soft tissue retractors, venous and arterial cannulae, vent and coronary sinus catheters, and reusable instruments for port-access cardiac valve procedures. The product line is expected to generate sales of over US$20 million in 2008.
From 1st January 2008, Ethicon will become part of J&J's new Surgical Care Group. This move was announced in November 2007 and is part of efforts to accelerate growth. A series of organisational changes will be implemented, including the creation of a strategy to sharpen the company's focus on opportunities outside its traditional areas of interest and in growing markets, as well as the creation of two new operating groups. The changes are designed to build on the strengths of J&J's broad base of businesses and decentralised structure.
The Surgical Care Group will focus on advancing technologies and services to enhance patient care in the surgical setting. In addition to Ethicon, it will include Ethicon Endo-Surgery and DePuy. Sherilyn S McCoy, currently Company Group Chairman for Ethicon, will assume the role of Worldwide Chairman of Surgical Care and will become a member of J&J's executive committee.
Medical Device Company Intelligence Reports provide a full review of the company's activities, from its origins to its latest corporate activity, including mergers and acquisitions, agreements, divestitures, major purchasing contracts and litigation. 