Johnson and Johnson founds new business Verb Surgical

Johnson and Johnson has announced the establishment of Verb Surgical, a new independent surgical solutions company.

The new business has been founded in collaboration with Verily Life Sciences – formerly Google Life Sciences – as part of a strategic partnership with Johnson and Johnson subsidiary Ethicon that was formed in March 2015.

Verb Surgical will focus on developing a comprehensive platform that incorporates leading-edge robotic capabilities and best-in-class medical device technology for operating room professionals.

Scott Huennekens, an experienced business leader with more than 20 years of relevant experience in the medical device industry, has been appointed as Verb Surgical's president and chief executive officer.

Gary Pruden, worldwide chairman for Johnson and Johnson Medical Devices, said: "The team has already made meaningful progress on the robotics platform, which is being developed for application across a host of surgical specialties."

Both Ethicon and Verily have contributed intellectual property, in-process research assets and other resources to Verb Surgical, including managerial, technological and surgical expertise.