Stryker to Acquire MAKO Surgical

Stryker Corporation (Kalamazoo, MI, USA) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire MAKO Surgical (MAKO, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA) for an aggregate purchase price of approximately USD 1.65 billion.

The current portfolio of MAKO includes the Robotic arm Interactive Orthopedic (RIO) system for joint applications of the knee and hip. The surgeon-interactive tactile surgical platform incorporates a robotic arm and patient-specific visualization technology which enables precise, consistently reproducible bone resection for the accurate insertion and alignment of the proprietary RESTORIS line of implants used in the MAKOplasty Partial Knee Resurfacing (PKR) procedure for the treatment of early to mid-stage osteoarthritis (OA).

The procedure is performed through a 10–15 cm incision over the knee; tactile, intelligent robotic arm technology and three-dimensional (3D) visualization guide the surgeon in controlled resurfacing of the predefined knee disease, saving as much of the patient's healthy bone and surrounding tissue as possible. Computer modeling of the patient's presurgical plan using computerized tomography (CT) scan data and, during the procedure, real-time visual, tactile, and auditory feedback facilitates ideal implant positioning and placement. MAKO has also recently expanded its product offering to include MAKOplasty Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), a new robotic arm application for patients in need of a total hip replacement.

“MAKO has established a compelling technology platform in robotic assisted surgery which we believe has considerable long term potential in joint reconstruction,” said Kevin A. Lobo, president and CEO of Stryker. “The acquisition of MAKO combined with Stryker's strong history in joint reconstruction, capital equipment, and surgical instruments will help further advance the growth of robotic assisted surgery. Our combined expertise offers the potential to simplify joint reconstruction procedures, reduce variability, and enhance the surgeon and patient experience.”

“The combination of Stryker's established industry leadership with MAKO's innovative products and people contains the power to positively transform orthopedics,” said Maurice Ferré, MD, president and CEO of MAKO. “It is with this in mind that MAKO's board of directors unanimously voted to recommend that MAKO's shareholders vote in favor of it.”

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Stryker Corporation
MAKO Surgical