Positive Results for Medtronic

Medtronic Inc. (MDT - Analyst Report) has reported positive results from an investigational study of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy for epilepsy. Results suggested a median reduction in seizure frequency of 41% for one year, 56% for two years and 68% for three years with DBS therapy, compared to antiepileptic medications. In addition, there were no serious unanticipated device-related adverse events revealed by the study.

The investigation, known as SANTE (Stimulation of the Anterior Nucleus of the Thalamus in Epilepsy), evaluates the use of DBS therapy on patients affected by refractory epilepsy with partial-onset seizures, a form of epilepsy that does not respond well to antiepileptic drugs. It is a prospective, randomized, double-blind pivotal study that enrolled 110 patients initially. Out of this, 91 remained active in the study.

Based on the positive results of the study, Medtronic has already filed a pre-market approval (PMA) application to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for marketing Medtronic DBS Therapy for Epilepsy in the U.S. A successful FDA approval will significantly boost Medtronic’s top-line. It had been estimated by the Epilepsy Foundation that epilepsy and seizures affect more than 3 million Americans in all ages, costing roughly $12.5 billion annually.

Medtronic is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies, specializing in implantable and interventional therapy devices and products. The company’s main competitors include St. Jude Medical (STJ - Analyst Report) and Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX - Analyst Report). Medtronic’s management has a typical “ONE Medtronic” approach that encompasses the following goals: drive sustainable long-term growth of 9%−11% through innovation, focus on operating margins − increase by 300 to 400 basis points, EPS growth of 11%−14% and return a minimum of 40%−50% of free cash flow to shareholders annually, and align the organization for consistent execution. Medtronic’s results till date indicate that the company is well on track to achieve these goals.

Read the full analyst report on MDT

Read the full analyst report on STJ

Read the full analyst report on BSX