BD allies with WHO to expand access to new obstetrical instrument

BD has announced a new global collaboration in order to expand access to an innovative new obstetrical instrument for assisting the delivery of newborns during circumstances of troublesome labour.

The company will be allying with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Saving Lives at Birth: A Grand Challenge for Development partners to develop and launch the new Odon Device, which is designed to gently deliver newborns through the birth canal during complicated second-stage labour.

It will be less dangerous than traditional methods such as forceps and vacuum assist, as well as being a cheaper and easier option than C-sections.

BD will utilise its core competencies in medical device design, quality systems, process design and manufacturing to develop the Odon Device and establish high-scale, low-cost production, before selling at an affordable price.

Vincent Forlenza, chairman, chief executive officer and president of BD, said: "We are honoured to work with the WHO and the Saving Lives at Birth partners to bring this truly innovative new device to scale and make it broadly accessible."

Last month, the company announced the launch of a new MRSA detection assay for use with the BD Max System in Europe.