DePuy Synthes strikes deal ahead of split from Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy Synthes orthopaedics business has announced two strategic technology and commercial agreements as the company positions itself for its planned separation from J&J, expected between late 2026 and mid-2027.

DePuy has agreed to acquire selective rights to Gemtrack technology, securing the ability to develop, manufacture and commercialise the platform across its joints portfolio. The agreement covers shoulder, hip and knee applications, including use in both navigation and robotic-assisted procedures.

Developed by France-based MiniMaxMedical (MMM), Gemtrack is a radiofrequency-based miniature tracking technology designed for joint reconstruction procedures. DePuy aims to use the technology to help establish a new standard for integrated image-guided and robotic-assisted joint surgery through its Velys portfolio. Most existing orthopaedic robotics and navigation platforms rely on infrared cameras, direct line-of-sight tracking, and invasive pins or bulky arrays attached to the patient. RF-based tracking could potentially overcome these limitations while enabling accurate, real-time tracking during procedures.

Alongside the Gemtrack agreement, DePuy Synthes has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with CGBIO covering the development and commercialisation of Novosis, an advanced bone graft substitute containing growth factors. The agreement expands DePuy Synthes’ capabilities across several areas of its orthopaedics portfolio, including spine, craniomaxillofacial (CMF) and trauma applications.

Under the terms of the deal, DePuy will hold exclusive distribution rights for Novosis in Australia, the U.S. and Canada, as well as rights of first negotiation for additional global markets. J&J previously held a distribution agreement with CGBIO for Novosis across Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, India, Hong Kong and Macau.

The agreements come as DePuy prepares for its transition into a standalone orthopaedics company. Reports suggest J&J is seeking as much as $20 billion for the separation, which would create the largest orthopaedics-focused company with leading marketshare positions across major categories.

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