Merit Medical Buys EsophyX Z+ Endoscopic GERD Device for $105M

Merit Medical Systems began an asset purchase agreement with EndoGastric Solutions for its EsophyX Z+ device to treat GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disorder). The transaction is valued at about $105 million.

The EndoGastric Solutions assets generated about $26 million of revenue in the company’s fiscal year 2023 (ended December 31). Merit Medical expects them to contribute $13-15 million of revenue in the remainder of this year, updating its full-year guidance by 5-7% and non-GAAP EPS (earnings per share) 7-10%

“This acquisition is consistent with our Continued Growth Initiatives. It enhances our product portfolio in existing clinical specialties while expanding our global footprint in the multi-billion-dollar gastrointestinal market,” Fred P. Lampropoulos, Merit’s chairman and CEO told the press. “We look forward to helping more patients by providing clinicians with a sustained and minimally invasive treatment option for chronic GERD.”

More about GERD and the EsophyX Z+ device

GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter can’t correctly tighten and allows stomach acid to enter the esophagus. Esophageal damage and even cancer can arise when this happens chronically.

The durable, minimally invasive, non-pharmacological EsophyX Z+ treats GERD by restoring the body’s reflux barrier through transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF 2.0), supported with endoscopic visualization. The American Gastroenterology Association recently released a clinical practice update listing TIF 2.0 as an effective endoscopic option for some patients.

TIF 2.0 can also be done in tandem with a hiatal hernia repair in a surgery called concomitant transoral incisionless fundoplication (cTIF), in which surgeon and gastroenterologist work together in the attempt to bridge the treatment gap between medication therapy and invasive surgical fundoplication.