W.L. Gore & Associates announced today that it agreed to acquire left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) device maker Conformal Medical.
The companies expect to close their deal early this year, subject to regulatory approval. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Nashua, New Hampshire–based Conformal develops the CLAAS AcuForm LAAO system. It builds upon the novel CLAAS device.
Delivered via catheter in a minimally invasive procedure, CLAAS AcuForm conforms and seals the LAA with its proprietary foam-based architecture. Conformal describes the implant as a next-generation system in a space dominated by Boston Scientific’s Watchman and Abbott’s Amplatzer Amulet in the United States.
CLAAS AcuForm aims to simplify delivery and eliminate the need for procedural transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). This could enable physicians to perform the procedure without general anesthesia.
CLAAS AcuForm features a nitinol endoskeleton with a proprietary foam matrix implant that conforms to a broader range of LAA anatomies with fewer sizes. It comes in two sizes with the aim to transform LAAO into a same-day procedure. It remains an investigational system under evaluation in clinical testing.
Gore said the acquisition advances its expansion into adjacent endovascular treatments. The company also specializes in vascular devices, like stents. It recently struck a new distribution deal with Olympus for its Viabil metal stent device.
Commentary from Gore and Conformal officials
Bret Snyder, W.L. Gore & Associates chair and CEO, said:
“The investigational CLAAS AcuFORM System represents the kind of transformative, science-driven innovation that reflects our long-term commitment to improving patient care. It is an ideal fit with our endovascular portfolio and a strong complement to our existing cardiac products. As a privately held company founded on scientific innovation, Gore continues to thoughtfully pursue opportunities and partnerships that expand our ability to improve lives through the work of all our businesses, including expanding our ability to serve clinicians and improve patient outcomes.”
James Reinstein, Conformal Medical president and CEO, said:
“We are pleased to join forces with a partner that reflects our belief that the investigational CLAAS AcuFORM device can prove to be a transformative solution for stroke prevention. Our stakeholders will realize the value of this partnership as we bring this therapy through the clinical and regulatory process and eventually make it available to patients worldwide. This partnership combines Conformal’s deep expertise in LAAO with Gore’s world-class capabilities in technology development, distribution and operations. It will enable us to leverage Gore’s global presence, accelerating our mission of shaping the future of stroke prevention.”
