Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Synthes Orthopaedics business today announced a deal to acquire selective rights to Gemtrack technology.
The unit also inked a distribution agreement for a bone graft substitute, continuing to position itself for the future ahead of a potential split from J&J.
Last fall, the medtech giant announced in October 2025 that it intended to separate the DePuy Synthes business. It said the separation aims to enhance the strategic and operational focus of each company while driving stakeholder value. Johnson & Johnson MedTech Executive Vice President and Worldwide Chairman Tim Schmid explained the rationale for the separation at DeviceTalks West in October 2025.
In February, reports suggested that J&J hoped to fetch as much as $20 billion for the unit. Bloomberg said at the time that “big buyout firms,” including several private equity outfits, were circling. According to J&J, DePuy Synthes would stand as the largest, most comprehensive orthopaedics-focused company with leading market share positions across major categories.
A look at the deal to acquire Gemtrack technology
DePuy Synthes said that it agreed to acquire selective rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize Gemtrack technology across its Joints portfolio. That includes for shoulder, hip and knee applications within both navigation and robotic applications.
Gemtrack, a proprietary tracking technology developed by France-based MiniMaxMedical (MMM), offers radiofrequency (RF) miniature tracker technology for joint reconstruction procedures.
DePuy Synthes said, following successful product development and regulatory approvals, it could deliver a market-first. The unit hopes to establish a new industry standard for integrated image-guided and robotic-assisted joint surgery with its Velys portfolio.
According to the company, current robotics and navigation systems in orthopedics mostly rely on infrared cameras, direct line-of-sight tracking and invasive pins or bulky arrays attached to the patient. RF technology could eliminate the need for these barriers while enabling accurate real-time tracking.
DePuy Synthes plans to announce further program milestones and timing as the development and regulatory pathways progress.
“Stéphane Lavallée and his companies have successfully collaborated with DePuy Synthes, including for the Velys robotic assisted solution for knee arthroplasty and the Velys active robotic assistance for spine,” said Namal Nawana, worldwide president, DePuy Synthes. “This new collaboration will be applied broadly to the Velys ecosystem to reduce the reliance on line-of-sight dependent navigation and offering the potential for improved navigation precision.”
DePuy Synthes also boosts portfolio through distribution agreement
In addition to the Gemtrack deal, DePuy Synthes announced an exclusive distribution agreement with CGBIO today.
The deal covers the development and commercialization of Novosis, an advanced bone graft substitute containing growth factors. Uses span the company’s orthopedic portfolio, including spine, craniomaxillofacial (CMF), and trauma.
Novosis aims to address unmet needs associated with existing solutions and support improved clinical outcomes. It currently has FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) for spine procedures. A clinical trial is actively enrolling patients in the U.S. to evaluate this application.
If eventually approved, Novosis would expand treatment options within the DePuy Synthes Spine portfolio, the company said.
Under the terms of the agreement, DePuy Synthes holds exclusive distribution rights for Novosis in the U.S., Canada and Australia. It also holds rights of first negotiation for additional global markets.
J&J previously had a distribution agreement with CGBIO for Novosis in Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, India, Hong Kong and Macau.
“Novosis has the potential to meaningfully advance orthopaedic care as a transformative treatment option for patients,” said Nawana. “This collaboration reflects our continued focus on strengthening our portfolio with differentiated technologies that address unmet needs and support patient care. This collaboration leverages the complementary strengths of both companies and the success of Novosis in other markets as we advance clinical development and prepare for future commercialization in key markets.”
