Say hello to MassDevice +3, a bite-sized view of the top three medtech stories of the day. This feature of MassDevice.com’s coverage highlights our 3 biggest and most influential stories from the day’s news to make sure you’re up to date on the headlines that continue to shape the medical device industry.
3. Ocular Therapeutix launches dry-eye trial
Ocular Therapeutix said it enrolled the 1st patient in a Phase II study of its bioresorbable eye plug in the treatment of inflammatory dry-eye disease.
The punctum plug, which is inserted in the tear-duct region of the eye, uses the company’s hydrogel platform to deliver a sustained release formulation of the drug dexamethasone, an ophthalmic corticosteroid. After roughly 4 weeks, the plug is absorbed into the body, according to a press release. Read more
2. Covidien’s Q1 earnings top estimates
Covidien reported fiscal 1st-quarter earnings that topped expectations on Wall Street, just a week before its pending $43 billion merger with Medtronic is slated to close.
Mansfield, Mass.-based Covidien posted profits of $511 million, or $1.12 per share, on sales of $2.69 billion for the 3 months ended Dec. 26, 2014. That’s a 28.4% bottom-line gain on sales growth of 1.8% compared with the same period in 2013. Read more
1. CareFusion shareholders OK $12B BD buyout
CareFusion shareholders approved the proposed $12.2 billion merger with Becton Dickinson, the companies said, clearing the way for the deal to close once European regulators clear the deal.
The companies said roughly 76% of CareFusion’s outstanding shares voted to approve the acquisition, which was announced last October. Read more