Smith+Nephew signs exclusive US distribution agreement with RMR Ortho for patented technology that provides a unique dynamic compression nitinol fixation option (A'TOMIC™) to our surgeons
Rhea-AI Summary
Smith+Nephew (NYSE:SNN) has signed an exclusive US distribution agreement with RMR Ortho to add the A’TOMIC™ Nitinol Fixation System to its Trauma, Foot & Ankle and Hand & Wrist portfolio. The system uses nitinol for active compression aiming to improve implant integrity and patient comfort. The partnership leverages Smith+Nephew’s US commercial scale to expand surgeon access and deepen engagement.
Smith+Nephew reported $5.8 billion in annual sales for 2024 and will distribute A’TOMIC across key US territories.
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News Market Reaction – SNN
On the day this news was published, SNN declined 0.61%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
SNN gained 0.17% while peers were mixed: ZBH +0.78%, PODD +1.44%, STE -1.22%, PHG -0.03%, PEN -0.10%. The scattered moves and lack of momentum flags point to a stock-specific reaction to the distribution agreement rather than a sector-wide shift.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 23 | Distribution agreement | Positive | +0.2% | US distribution deal with SI-BONE adding iFuse TORQ trauma portfolio. |
| Jan 21 | Acquisition closed | Positive | +1.9% | Completion of Integrity Orthopaedics acquisition expanding shoulder repair portfolio. |
| Oct 27 | Clinical outcomes data | Positive | +0.3% | Real-world study showing improved sNPWT outcomes and cost reductions. |
| Oct 22 | Marketing partnership | Positive | +1.8% | Multi-year extension of global UFC marketing and education partnership. |
| Oct 09 | Reimbursement milestone | Positive | -0.6% | New Category I CPT code for CARTIHEAL AGILI-C implant procedures. |
Recent strategic and partnership news has generally coincided with modest positive price moves, with one notable divergence on a positive reimbursement/coverage catalyst.
Over the past several months, Smith+Nephew has focused on portfolio expansion and strategic positioning. A prior distribution deal with SI-BONE for the iFuse TORQ portfolio and the completion of the Integrity Orthopaedics acquisition broadened its trauma and sports medicine offerings, each followed by small positive moves. Positive data and reimbursement milestones for PICO sNPWT and CARTIHEAL AGILI-C, plus a renewed UFC partnership, reinforced the growth story. Today’s A’TOMIC nitinol fixation agreement continues this pattern of adding differentiated technologies into existing channels.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement adds the A’TOMIC nitinol fixation system to Smith+Nephew’s U.S. trauma and extremities portfolio, leveraging its existing sales channels for high-frequency fracture and arthrodesis procedures. It follows other recent steps—such as distribution partnerships and targeted acquisitions—to broaden offerings and deepen surgeon engagement. With 2024 sales of $5.8 billion and operations in more than 100 countries, investors may watch how quickly this technology integrates and contributes within the wider orthopaedics franchise.
Key Terms
arthrodesis medical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Smith+Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN), the global medical technology company, today announces it has signed an exclusive US distribution agreement with RMR Ortho to add the A’TOMIC™ Nitinol Fixation System to the Smith+Nephew Trauma, Foot & Ankle and Hand & Wrist portfolio. The system is designed to improve implant integrity and patient comfort1-6—key priorities for surgeons and healthcare systems alike.
“This partnership with RMR Ortho strengthens Smith+Nephew’s fixation portfolio by adding a dynamic compression fixation solution that complements our existing technologies,” said Scott Gunn, Vice President of U.S. Marketing, Trauma, Extremities, and Shoulder at Smith+Nephew. “The A’TOMIC Nitinol Fixation System expands our ability to participate in high-frequency fracture and arthrodesis procedures while leveraging our established Extremities and Trauma sales channel to deepen surgeon engagement. This collaboration reflects our disciplined approach to portfolio expansion and our continued focus on driving sustainable growth.”
The A’TOMIC™ Nitinol Fixation System leverages proprietary manufacturing methods and the unique properties of nitinol to provide compressive fixation implants featuring a wide bridge with barbed, round legs that match drill holes.1-6 The system is engineered to achieve stability of fusion, fracture and osteotomy sites through high strength and active compression.7-9
“Partnering with Smith+Nephew represents an important step forward for RMR Ortho as we continue to expand access to the A’TOMIC Nitinol Fixation System across key U.S. territories,” said Joe Ritz, CEO of RMR Ortho. “Smith+Nephew’s established presence in orthopedic extremities and trauma, deep surgeon relationships, and commercial scale make them a strong partner as we work to deliver reliable, continuously compressive fixation solutions to surgeons, hospitals, and patients.”
Media Enquiries
Gina Kamler +1 (901) 351-6991
Smith+Nephew gina.kamler@smith-nephew.com
References
- RMR Ortho. Internal Report Elastic Static Bend Testing of RMR Ortho A’TOMIC Implants.
- RMR Ortho. Internal Report Bending Fatigue Testing of RMR Ortho A’TOMIC Implants.
- RMR Ortho. Internal Report Static Leg Compression Testing of RMR Ortho A’TOMIC Implants.
- RMR Ortho. Internal Report Static Axial Pull-out Testing of RMR Ortho A’TOMIC Implants.
- RMR Ortho. Internal Reports. Simulated Leg Compression Testing of RMR Ortho A’TOMIC Implants.
- Dock CC, Freeman KL, Coetzee JC, McGaver RS, Giveans MR. Outcomes of Nitinol Compression Staples in Tarsometatarsal Fusion. Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics. 2020;5(3). doi:10.1177/2473011420944904
- Duerig T, Pelton A, Stöckel D. An overview of nitinol medical applications, Materials Science and Engineering: A, Volumes 273–275, 1999, Pages 149-160.
- Pelton, Alan R. et al. “Medical Uses of Nitinol.” Materials Science Forum 327-328 (2000): 63 - 70.
- Sleiman A., Bejcek C., Nestler A., Revelt N., Thuppal S., Mills A., Gardner M. The history of orthopaedic use of nitinol compression staples. Injury 2023; 54(11): 111036.
About Smith+Nephew
Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology business focused on the repair, regeneration and replacement of soft and hard tissue. We exist to restore people’s bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. We call this purpose ‘Life Unlimited’. Our 18,000 employees deliver this mission every day, making a difference to patients’ lives through the excellence of our product portfolio, and the invention and application of new technologies across our three global business units of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT and Advanced Wound Management.
Founded in Hull, UK, in 1856, we now operate in more than 100 countries, and generated annual sales of
For more information about Smith+Nephew, please visit www.smith-nephew.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.
Forward-looking Statements
This document may contain forward-looking statements that may or may not prove accurate. For example, statements regarding expected revenue growth and trading profit margins, market trends and our product pipeline are forward-looking statements. Phrases such as "aim", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "well-placed", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "consider" and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or implied by the statements. For Smith+Nephew, these factors include: conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, economic and financial conditions in the markets we serve, especially those affecting healthcare providers, payers and customers; price levels for established and innovative medical devices; developments in medical technology; regulatory approvals, reimbursement decisions or other government actions; product defects or recalls or other problems with quality management systems or failure to comply with related regulations; litigation relating to patent or other claims; legal and financial compliance risks and related investigative, remedial or enforcement actions; disruption to our supply chain or operations or those of our suppliers; competition for qualified personnel; strategic actions, including acquisitions and disposals, our success in performing due diligence, valuing and integrating acquired businesses; disruption that may result from transactions or other changes we make in our business plans or organisation to adapt to market developments; relationships with healthcare professionals; reliance on information technology and cybersecurity; disruptions due to natural disasters, weather and climate change related events; changes in customer and other stakeholder sustainability expectations; changes in taxation regulations; effects of foreign exchange volatility; and numerous other matters that affect us or our markets, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or reputational nature. Please refer to the documents that Smith+Nephew has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Smith+Nephew's most recent annual report on Form 20-F, which is available on the SEC’s website at www. sec.gov, for a discussion of certain of these factors. Any forward-looking statement is based on information available to Smith+Nephew as of the date of the statement. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to Smith+Nephew are qualified by this caution. Smith+Nephew does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in circumstances or in Smith+Nephew's expectations.
A'TOMIC™ Trademark of RMR Ortho. Certain marks registered in US Patent and Trademark Office.
◊ Trademark of Smith+Nephew. Certain marks registered in US Patent and Trademark Office. 49765 02/26
FAQ
What did Smith+Nephew (SNN) announce on February 24, 2026 about RMR Ortho distribution?
How will the A’TOMIC Nitinol Fixation System be used by Smith+Nephew (SNN) customers?
Does the Smith+Nephew (SNN) announcement include financial terms or projected revenue impact?
Which Smith+Nephew business units will distribute the A’TOMIC system under the SNN agreement?
What clinical or performance claims are made about the A’TOMIC system in the Smith+Nephew (SNN) release?
