Bilgesu Erdem
In a significant advancement for lung cancer diagnostics and treatment, Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s Monarch platform and Monarch bronchoscope have recently received regulatory approval in China. This groundbreaking decision positions Monarch as the first minimally invasive, robotic-assisted technology for peripheral lung procedures in China. This approval not only marks a first for Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s robotic-assisted technology in China but also signifies Monarch’s inaugural regulatory nod outside the U.S.
Originating from the $3.4 billion acquisition of Auris in 2019, Johnson & Johnson MedTech ventured into the robotic surgery market with Monarch. Already possessing FDA clearance for bronchoscopy and endourological procedures, this new approval in China represents a strategic expansion in their global reach.
The Monarch system, known for its innovative design, offers bronchoscopic visualization and access to adult patient airways. Its uses extend to both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The technology’s capacity to facilitate minimally invasive, robotic-assisted procedures in peripheral lung areas heralds a new era in lung cancer treatment. It enhances the ability to pinpoint and access small, elusive lung nodules, offering earlier intervention and heightened precision.
Will Song, the president of J&J MedTech China, underscores the importance of this advancement in battling lung cancer, one of the most prevalent and lethal diseases in China. Adrian Whitford, president of Monarch, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the team’s dedication to driving innovation that revolutionizes patient healthcare experiences. Monarch’s global expansion reflects their commitment to deploying flexible robotic-assisted devices for lung procedures, aiming to uplift clinical outcomes for patients combating lung cancer.
In addition to Monarch, Johnson & Johnson MedTech has made strides in the surgical robotics field with its Ottava surgical robot. The company plans to submit Ottava for FDA investigational device exemption in the second half of 2024, indicating a promising future in surgical innovations.
Hani Abouhalka, company group chairman of robotics and digital surgery at Johnson & Johnson MedTech, reflects on the company’s legacy in surgery, beginning with sterile sutures. Their ongoing mission is to enhance surgical care with transformative technologies. Ottava’s design is aimed at delivering a consistent experience across operating rooms globally, focusing on the human impact and improving health outcomes.
The approval of Monarch in China is not just a regulatory milestone; it’s a beacon of hope for over two million lung cancer patients diagnosed annually worldwide, with nearly 40% in China. As Monarch’s usage expands, it’s poised to make a significant impact in the fight against lung cancer, transforming patient care through early detection and precision treatment.
