The FDA-approved ‘Breakthrough Device’ is the first system that can be used to place ear tubes in young children using local anaesthesia in the physician-office setting

This acquisition is highly complementary to Smith+Nephew’s ENT portfolio, with the same customer and patient populations

Smith+Nephew , the global medical technology business, today announces that it has acquired California-based Tusker Medical, Inc. (“Tusker”), the developer of the Tula System, an in-office solution for tympanostomy tubes (commonly known as ear tubes). The acquisition supports Smith+Nephew’s strategy to invest in innovative technologies that address unmet clinical needs.

Every year in the United States alone, approximately 700,0001 children undergo tympanostomy tube placement surgery to address recurrent ear infections or persistent fluid in the middle ear. These procedures are traditionally performed under general anaesthesia in operating rooms. 

The Tula system enables placement of ear tubes in the physician’s office without general anaesthesia for patients six months and older. Using Tula, a physician numbs the eardrum using novel, child-friendly anaesthesia while the patient may sit up, play, and watch videos. A specialised tube delivery system allows the physician to place an ear tube precisely in less than half a second using an automated device.

Tula received Breakthrough Device2 designation from the FDA, and on 25 November 2019 received pre-market approval (PMA). At this time, Jeff Shuren, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said:

“Today’s approval offers patients an option for the treatment of recurrent ear infections that does not require general anaesthesia. As millions of children suffer from ear infections every year, it is important to have safe and effective treatments available to this susceptible patient population. This approval has the potential to expand patient access to a treatment that can be administered in a physician’s office with local anaesthesia and minimal discomfort.”

Tusker is highly complementary to Smith+Nephew’s existing ENT business, with the same customer and patient populations. Smith+Nephew’s COBLATION technology is widely used in tonsillectomy and soft tissue management, and is used by both general and paediatric ENT surgeons.

Brad Cannon, President of Sports Medicine & ENT at Smith+Nephew, said:

“The Tula System is a truly innovative option for physicians treating incredibly common ear conditions. It is a game-changer when treating children, removing the risk and stress of general anaesthesia for patients and caregivers. Tula is a highly complementary addition to our ENT portfolio, and we are excited to significantly improve the treatment options for surgeons and patients with the launch of this technology.”

Amir Abolfathi, President & Chief Executive Officer at Tusker, said:

 “I am immensely proud of the paediatric-focused technology that we have developed, and to receive PMA approval along with Breakthrough Device designation from the FDA. Smith+Nephew is well-placed to accelerate and broaden the launch of Tula and we look forward to working together to improve the quality of life of the millions of children who suffer from ear infections every year.” 

Tula consists of the Tula Iontophoresis System that induces local anaesthesia using TYMBION™ and the Tula Tube Delivery System that creates a myringotomy and inserts a tympanostomy tube. Smith+Nephew expects to begin commercial launch of Tula in the US in the first quarter of 2020. All Tusker employees are expected to join Smith+Nephew.

The transaction was financed from existing cash and debt facilities. The commercial terms have not been disclosed.