Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Verily Life Sciences (formerly Google Life Sciences) have established a new independent surgical solutions company, Verb Surgical.
The new firm was created based on the previous strategic collaboration announced in March between J&J’s medical devices company Ethicon and Google Life Sciences.
Based in California, Verb Surgical will be supervised by the board of directors under the leadership of president Scott Huennekens.
J&J Medical Devices worldwide chairman Gary Pruden said: "We believe Verb Surgical has the potential to change the future of surgery, not just robotic surgery.
"The team has already made meaningful progress on the robotics platform, which is being developed for applications across a host of surgical specialties."
Verb Surgical will be involved in the development of a comprehensive surgical solutions platform, which will integrate robotic capabilities and medical device technology for operating room professionals.
Ethicon, which is involved in developing minimally invasive surgery and advanced instrumentation, will help Verb Surgical to develop a new robotics-assisted platform.
Huennekens said: "By maximising the distinct capabilities of these two market-leading companies, we aim to develop novel technologies and solutions to help improve the standard of care around the world."
The company intends to develop new technologies in collaboration with surgeons and hospitals to enable better patient outcomes, improve access to minimally invasive surgery, and achieve greater hospital efficiency.
Ethicon and J&J Innovation, JJDC, provided funding for the new company, while Ethicon and Verily have lent intellectual property, in-process R&D assets and other resources to Verb Surgical, including managerial, technological and surgical expertise.
