Medical Device Industry Latest News Summary (April 29, 2026 Edition)

Here's a summary of the latest domestic and international trends in the medical device industry. This report provides an overview of the industry's forefront, including market trends from major companies' financial reports, portfolio restructuring through business divestitures, and Japanese companies strengthening their overseas expansion.

1. Johnson & Johnson (J&J) MedTech Division Maintains Strong Performance in Q1 Earnings

In Johnson & Johnson's (J&J) Q1 2026 earnings report, the MedTech division's sales increased by 4.6% year-over-year to $8.64 billion [1]. The Cardiovascular sector, in particular, drove a 13% growth, attributed to the acquisitions of Abiomed and Shockwave.

The company also announced the initiation of a head-to-head clinical trial to verify the superiority of its "Varipulse Pro" platform against Boston Scientific's "Farapulse" system, a competitor in the atrial fibrillation treatment field [2]. The results of this trial could significantly impact the future landscape of the PFA (Pulse Field Ablation) market.

2. Zimmer Biomet Raises Full-Year Profit Forecast in Q1 Earnings

Zimmer Biomet, a major orthopedic medical device manufacturer, raised its full-year profit forecast in its Q1 2026 earnings announcement [3] [4]. Adjusted EPS (earnings per share) increased by 15% year-over-year to $2.09, which was partly due to tariff-related refunds (pull-forwards).

However, the U.S. knee implant business saw a modest 2.2% increase, affected by sales force restructuring and the phasing out of legacy brands. In contrast, the technology segment, including surgical robots (ROSA/TMINI), showed rapid growth of 30%, and the company expects it to be a future growth driver.

3. Thermo Fisher Scientific Sells Microbiology Business for $1.1 Billion

Thermo Fisher Scientific has entered into an agreement to sell its microbiology business to private equity firm Astorg for approximately $1.08 billion (approximately $1.1 billion) [5]. Through this strategic divestiture, the company plans to further focus on its core life sciences and diagnostics businesses.

4. NISSHA Establishes New Medical Device R&D Facility at Vanderbilt University in the U.S.

NISSHA Corporation (formerly Nissha Printing Co., Ltd.), a Japanese company, has opened a new research and development facility (Engineering & Innovation Center of Excellence) for its medical device group company, "Nissha Medical Technologies," at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, USA [6] [7].

By collaborating with the university, which has strengths in the surgical field, NISSHA aims to accurately capture the needs of the medical field from the early development stages and accelerate product commercialization. This initiative is noteworthy as it strengthens the global expansion of Japanese technology.

5. Envoy Medical Reports Clinical Data for Fully Implantable Cochlear Implant

Envoy Medical announced that all 56 patients in its pivotal clinical trial for the fully implantable cochlear implant "Acclaim" have completed device activation [8]. The company released initial clinical data on April 29, achieving a significant milestone towards FDA approval. This device, which eliminates the need for external units, is expected to be a revolutionary medical device that dramatically improves the quality of life (QOL) for patients with hearing loss.

6. Domestic Regulatory Trends: AI Medical Devices and PMDA's Review System

In Japan, the development of AI diagnostic support systems integrated into devices like gastrointestinal endoscopes is becoming increasingly active. In response, the PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) is continuously strengthening its review system and developing guidelines to establish a rapid and appropriate regulatory application and approval process for medical devices utilizing AI technology.

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References

[1] Zacks. "J&J Sees Continued MedTech Improvement in Q1, Eyes Better 2026." April 28, 2026. https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2909962/jj-sees-continued-medtech-improvement-in-q1-eyes-better-2026

[2] MedTech Dive. "J&J starts head-to-head PFA trial against Boston Scientific device." April 28, 2026. https://www.medtechdive.com/news/jj-starts-head-to-head-pfa-trial-against-boston-scientific-device/818515/

[3] Reuters. "Medical device maker Zimmer Biomet raises annual profit forecast, announces CFO exit." April 28, 2026. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/medical-device-maker-zimmer-biomet-raises-annual-profit-forecast-announces-cfo-2026-04-28/

[4] Biggo Finance. "[ZBH Q1 2026 Earnings Call] Zimmer Biomet Beats Q1 Estimates..." April 28, 2026. https://finance.biggo.com/news/US_ZBH_2026-04-28

[5] MedTech Dive. "Thermo Fisher inks $1.1B deal to sell microbiology unit to Astorg." April 28, 2026. https://www.medtechdive.com/news/thermo-fisher-inks-11b-deal-to-sell-microbiology-unit-to-astorg/818643/

[6] Nikkei Shimbun. "NISSHA to establish medical device R&D facility in U.S. to better capture needs." April 28, 2026. https://www.nikkei.com/nkd/industry/article/?DisplayType=1&n_m_code=071&ng=DGXZQOUF237XI0T20C26A4000000

[7] NISSHA. "Grand Opening of New Medical Technology R&D Facility in the United States." April 22, 2026. https://www.nissha.com/english/news/2026/04/21_035.html

[8] BioSpace. "Envoy Medical Highlights First Clinical Data Presentations from Pivotal Clinical Study of Fully Implanted Acclaim(R) Cochlear Implant." April 28, 2026. https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/envoy-medical-highlights-first-clinical-data-presentations-from-pivotal-clinical-study-of-fully-implanted-acclaimr-cochlear-implant