Medtronic and Merit Medical Systems enter into agreement to offer new, FDA-cleared ViaVerte™ system, a basivertebral nerve ablation treatment for chronic vertebrogenic lower-back pain

Rhea-AI Summary

Medtronic entered a distribution agreement with Merit Medical Systems (NASDAQ: MMSI) to offer the FDA-cleared ViaVerte™ basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA) system.

ViaVerte is a minimally invasive, implant-free, physician-steerable BVNA system for chronic vertebrogenic lower-back pain; it will be available later in 2026 and expands Medtronic's pain interventions portfolio.

Positive

• FDA-cleared ViaVerte BVNA system adds regulatory-backed therapy option
• Exclusive distribution agreement expands Medtronic pain interventions portfolio
• Same-day outpatient minimally invasive procedure availability planned later in 2026

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction – MMSI

-0.85%

-0.85% Session close to close

In the Mar 24 session, MMSI declined 0.85%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement highlights an expanded collaboration where Merit’s FDA-cleared ViaVerte™ BVNA syst...

Analysis

This announcement highlights an expanded collaboration where Merit’s FDA-cleared ViaVerte™ BVNA system joins Medtronic’s broader pain interventions portfolio, targeting chronic vertebrogenic lower-back pain with a minimally invasive, outpatient option. Recent history shows MMSI pairing product innovation with solid financial performance, including full-year 2025 revenue of $1.516B. Investors may watch future updates on adoption of ViaVerte™, broader spine portfolio traction, and how these collaborations contribute to revenue mix and growth.

Key Figures

Chronic pain prevalence: One in three Americans Pain treatment history: 50 years

2 metrics

Chronic pain prevalence One in three Americans American Chronic Pain Association estimate for chronic pain sufferers

Pain treatment history 50 years Medtronic’s history advancing chronic pain treatment cited in release

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 16 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Mar 16	Product launch	Positive	-0.2%	US launch of Resilience TTS Esophageal Stent with proprietary anti-migration features.
Feb 24	Earnings & guidance	Positive	-3.9%	Reported strong Q4 and FY25 growth with increased 2026 guidance and solid cash flow.
Jan 08	Leadership & prelims	Positive	-7.3%	Appointed new Board Chair and disclosed double-digit preliminary Q4 2025 revenue growth.
Dec 23	Conference participation	Neutral	-0.3%	Announced participation and presentation scheduling at J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference.
Nov 13	Reimbursement update	Positive	-2.6%	WRAPSODY CIE U.S. commercialization update with deferred CMS TPT and revenue forecast.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent MMSI news, including product launches and strong earnings, often saw negative or slightly negative next-day price moves, suggesting a tendency for shares to trade weakly around positive headlines.

Recent Company History

Over the last several months, MMSI has reported strong fundamentals and multiple product and strategic updates. Earnings on Feb 24, 2026 highlighted revenue of $1.516B and non-GAAP EPS of $3.83, yet the stock fell 3.88%. A leadership update and preliminary revenue on Jan 8, 2026 and a WRAPSODY® commercialization update on Nov 13, 2025 also saw negative reactions. Against this backdrop, the new Medtronic ViaVerte™ distribution agreement fits a pattern of continued portfolio expansion and partnerships.

Key Terms

fda-cleared, basivertebral nerve ablation, balloon kyphoplasty, vertebral compression fractures, +2 more

6 terms

fda-cleared regulatory

"to offer FDA-cleared ViaVerte™ — a minimally invasive and implant free..."

FDA-cleared means a medical product—typically a device or diagnostic—has passed a U.S. regulator’s review showing it is substantially similar to an existing approved product and is safe and effective for its intended use. For investors, clearance acts like an official safety stamp that lowers regulatory risk and can speed market access, comparable to getting a trusted roadworthy certificate before selling cars, which can make sales and adoption happen faster.

basivertebral nerve ablation medical

"ViaVerte™ — a minimally invasive and implant free basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA) system."

Basivertebral nerve ablation is a minimally invasive medical procedure that uses heat or energy to destroy a small nerve inside a spinal bone that can drive chronic low-back pain. Think of it as disabling a malfunctioning circuit that keeps sending pain signals; the goal is lasting pain relief without major surgery. Investors care because procedure adoption, device sales, reimbursement decisions, and clinical outcomes directly affect revenue potential and market size for related medical products and providers.

balloon kyphoplasty medical

"Kyphon™ Xpander™ Inflation Syringes used in balloon kyphoplasty procedures..."

A minimally invasive spine procedure that treats collapsed or fractured vertebrae by inserting and inflating a small balloon to lift the damaged bone and then filling the space with a hardening bone cement to stabilize it—think of propping up a crumbled brick with a temporary form and then pouring concrete to hold it. Investors watch this treatment because it drives demand for specialized medical devices, disposable implants and hospital services, and its revenue and adoption are sensitive to insurance reimbursement, clinical outcomes and regulatory approvals.

vertebral compression fractures medical

"Kyphon™ KyphoFlex™ unipedicular steerable balloon catheter for treating vertebral compression fractures."

A vertebral compression fracture is when one of the small bones in the spine (vertebrae) cracks or collapses, often causing sudden back pain, reduced height, and limited mobility. For investors, these fractures create steady demand for diagnostics, pain treatments, medical devices and surgical procedures and can influence healthcare spending and regulatory approval needs—think of a cracked support beam in a house that requires inspection, repair, and sometimes replacement.

spinal cord stimulation medical

"The Medtronic portfolio of pain therapies includes spinal cord stimulation, vertebral augmentation..."

Spinal cord stimulation is a medical therapy that uses a small implanted device to send mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain—think of it like a dimmer switch that lowers the volume of chronic pain. It matters to investors because device sales, reimbursement rules, clinical trial results and adoption rates directly affect revenue potential, regulatory risk and long‑term market growth in the pain‑management sector.

targeted drug delivery medical

"pain therapies includes spinal cord stimulation, vertebral augmentation, nerve ablation... and targeted drug delivery."

Targeted drug delivery is a way of getting medicine directly to the specific cells, tissues, or organs that need it, instead of spreading the drug throughout the whole body; think of it like delivering a package to a single apartment rather than leaving it at the lobby for everyone. For investors, this matters because more precise delivery can boost a treatment’s effectiveness, reduce side effects and follow-up costs, improve regulatory and commercial prospects, and create a stronger competitive or licensing position for a drug developer.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Exclusive agreement expands Medtronic's comprehensive pain interventions portfolio, increases treatment options for patients living with chronic pain

GALWAY, Ireland, March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Medtronic plc, a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced that it has entered into a distribution agreement with Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MMSI), to offer FDA-cleared ViaVerte™ — a minimally invasive and implant free basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA) system. It is the first and only BVNA system with a physician-controlled steerable mechanism for precise basivertebral nerve targeting for treating chronic vertebrogenic lower back pain. This agreement continues Medtronic's momentum in executing on strategic deals that strengthen the company's leadership within its core franchises and expands an ongoing relationship between Medtronic and Merit. Merit currently supplies Medtronic's Kyphon™ Xpander™ Inflation Syringes used in balloon kyphoplasty procedures and Kyphon™ KyphoFlex™ unipedicular steerable balloon catheter for treating vertebral compression fractures.

According to the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA), an estimated one in three Americans suffer from some type of chronic pain.¹ BVNA is a rapidly growing therapy option for patients suffering from chronic low-back pain caused by damaged vertebral endplates. The ViaVerte™ BVNA system, which will be available later this year, offers patients a minimally invasive, same day outpatient procedure. Alongside Medtronic's comprehensive pain offerings, the latest agreement with Merit Medical supports Medtronic's goal of maximizing innovative therapy options for customers and their patients.

"For 50 years, we have advanced how chronic pain is treated," said Paolo Di Vincenzo, president, Medtronic Neuromodulation, which is part of the Medtronic Neuroscience Portfolio. "Adding ViaVerte™ Basivertebral Nerve Ablation expands our world-leading pain interventions portfolio and gives patients and their physicians another meaningful option for lasting relief. ^2,3"

"We are thrilled to expand our ongoing business relationship with Medtronic by providing Merit's proprietary articulating technology," said Michael Blackham, executive vice president, Global OEM, Merit Medical Systems, Inc. "We believe ViaVerte™ represents a significant advancement in the BVNA market."

"This agreement underscores our mutual dedication to providing innovative therapies to support physicians and their patients," said Martha G. Aronson, president and chief executive officer, Merit Medical Systems, Inc.

The Medtronic portfolio of pain therapies includes spinal cord stimulation, vertebral augmentation, nerve ablation, bone tumor ablation, and targeted drug delivery. The addition of an advanced steerable solution for BVNA expands this portfolio to directly meet the growing demand for this expanded therapy option.

About Medtronic
Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic, visit www.Medtronic.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

About Merit Medical
Founded in 1987, Merit Medical Systems, Inc. is engaged in the development, manufacture, and distribution of proprietary medical devices used in interventional, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures, particularly in cardiology, radiology, oncology, critical care, and endoscopy. Merit serves customers worldwide with a domestic and international sales force and clinical support team totaling more than 800 individuals. Merit employs approximately 7,600 people worldwide.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. 

References

1. American Chronic Pain Association. Pain Fact Sheet. Found at https://www.acpanow.com/uploads/9/9/8/3/99838302/pain_fact_sheet.pdf
2. De Vivo AE, D'Agostino G, D'Anna G, et al. Intra-osseous basivertebral nerve radiofrequency ablation (BVA) for the treatment of vertebrogenic chronic low back pain. Neuroradiology. 2021;63(5):809-815. doi:10.1007/s00234-020-02577-8
3. Khalil JG, Truumees E, Macadaeg K, et al. Intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation: A 5-year pooled analysis from three prospective clinical trials. Interv Pain Med. 2024;3(4):100529. Published 2024 Dec 13. doi:10.1016/j.inpm.2024.100529

 

Medtronic Contacts:
Naomi Rodiles	Ingrid Goldberg
Public Relations	Investor Relations
+1-612-427-5521	investor.relations@medtronic.com
Merit Contacts
PR/Media Inquiries	Investor Inquiries
Sarah Comstock	Mike Piccinino, CFA, IRC
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.	ICR Healthcare
+1-801-432-2864	+1-443-213-0509
sarah.comstock@merit.com	mike.piccinino@icrhealthcare.com

 

 

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SOURCE Medtronic plc

FAQ

What does the Medtronic–Merit (MMSI) agreement mean for availability of ViaVerte in 2026?

Medtronic will distribute the FDA-cleared ViaVerte BVNA system, expanding access later in 2026. According to the company, ViaVerte will be offered as a minimally invasive, same-day outpatient option to treat chronic vertebrogenic lower-back pain.

Is the ViaVerte basivertebral nerve ablation system FDA-cleared for use according to Merit Medical (MMSI)?

Yes. According to the company, ViaVerte is FDA-cleared as an implant-free basivertebral nerve ablation system. The system includes a physician-controlled steerable mechanism for targeted BVNA procedures.

How does ViaVerte change Medtronic's pain treatment portfolio and what does MMSI gain?

ViaVerte expands Medtronic's world-leading pain interventions portfolio by adding steerable BVNA capability. According to the company, Merit deepens its commercial relationship by supplying its articulating technology to Medtronic.

What is the clinical use of ViaVerte for patients with chronic lower-back pain (MMSI)?

ViaVerte is intended to treat chronic vertebrogenic low-back pain caused by damaged vertebral endplates using basivertebral nerve ablation. According to the company, the therapy is a rapidly growing option for eligible patients.

Will ViaVerte require implants or hospital stays as described by Medtronic and Merit (MMSI)?

No. According to the company, ViaVerte is implant-free and designed for a minimally invasive, same-day outpatient procedure, reducing need for implants or extended hospital stays for suitable patients.

How does the ViaVerte steerable mechanism benefit physicians and patients (MMSI)?

The physician-controlled steerable mechanism allows more precise basivertebral nerve targeting during BVNA procedures. According to the company, this precision aims to improve targeting accuracy and procedural control for clinicians.