Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has announced a strategic agreement with Francis Medical that will see its investment arm, J&J Innovation (JJDC), back the company to support regulatory activities for its water vapour ablation system for prostate cancer.
Minnesota-based Francis already has US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for Vanquish for the thermal ablation of targeted prostate tissue, with authorisation given in November 2025. The system minimises the impact on surrounding structures associated with urinary and sexual function.
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Francis is eyeing an oncology expansion, saying the investment provides sufficient capital to support the company through its planned Premarket Approval (PMA) submission to the FDA for the management of clinically localised prostate cancer.
Francis is conducting the VAPOR 2 study (NCT05683691), which is evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Vanquish in treating subjects with Gleason Grade Group 2 (GGG2) localised intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Six-month biopsy data on 110 of 235 patients involved in the trial demonstrated elimination of targeted MRI-visible intermediate-risk (≥GGG2) disease in 91% of patients following a single Vanquish procedure.
Francis added that JJDC’s financing will also support it in scaling its commercial infrastructure, expanding market access initiatives, and strengthening physician training and education programmes to drive Vanquish’s broader market adoption.
Mike Kujak, Francis Medical’s president and CEO, commented: “This is a pivotal moment in Francis Medical’s evolution as we prepare to transition from a limited commercial launch to a broader US market presence.
“With the support of JJDC, we are positioned to accelerate the development of our commercial organisation, expand physician access to our technology, and establish the infrastructure necessary to support sustainable growth. At the same time, we remain passionately committed to advancing the clinical evidence and regulatory milestones required to pursue an indication for the management of prostate cancer.”
