Ottobock has agreed to acquire Spanish medical device company Fesia Technology in a strategic move to expand its neuro-orthotics portfolio with functional electrical stimulation (FES) products.
The German medtech company’s acquisition of Fesia from a consortium of investors including Fik Advanlife and Basque Fondo De Capital Riesgo, is expected to close within the next six months. Financial terms of the transaction have not been publicly disclosed.
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Fesia’s wearable FES orthoses are used to treat neuromuscular issues associated with neurological disorders including stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), and cerebral palsy. The external devices deliver electrical pulses to stimulate weakened muscles to support the restoration of movement by encouraging the development of new neural connections.
Headquartered in San Sebastián, Fesia’s FES systems include Fesia Walk for correcting foot drop, and Fesia Grasp, an upper extremity orthosis that allows clinicians to target muscles involved in up to 10 individual and six combined hand movements. Each of the company’s FES devices are controlled via the Fesia Pro smartphone app that allows stimulation parameters to be customised to individual patient needs.
Fesia’s CEO, Haritz Zabaleta, commented: “The ambition of Fesia Technology has been to push the boundaries of functional electrical stimulation. Joining Ottobock creates a unique opportunity to scale this innovation globally, setting new standards in neurorehabilitation and human mobility.”
Ottobock CEO Oliver Jakobi highlighted that the number of people affected by neurological conditions globally, along with other issues for which FES orthoses can be applied, such as spinal cord injuries, is steadily increasing.
Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide. GlobalData analysis indicates that the global neurology devices market is projected to reach a valuation of over $25bn in 2034.
A World Health Organization (WHO) report released in 2024 revealed that the total health burden linked to neurological conditions has risen by 18% since 1990, with the greatest impact seen in low- and middle-income countries where access to neurologists and specialist care remains scarce.
Jakobi continued: “We have therefore made providing care for people with neurological conditions a core part of our mission.
“The acquisition of Fesia provides us with access to an innovative and deployable FES technology platform, enabling us to play an even stronger role in shaping the growing market for neurological diseases through our own capabilities. In doing so, we further expand our position as an innovation leader.”
Fesia’s products will expand Ottobock’s existing range of neurorehabilitation products that include the Exopulse Mollii Suit, a ‘near full-body’ neuromodulation suit that uses electrical stimulation to relax tense, spastic muscles and relieve pain.
