Integra Acquires Neurosurgical Firm Arkis Biosciences

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation has acquired Arkis Biosciences Inc. a privately-held company that offers a portfolio of neurosurgical devices, including the CerebroFlo external ventricular drainage (EVD) catheter with Endexo technology, a permanent additive designed to reduce the potential for catheter obstruction due to thrombus formation. The acquisition of Arkis Biosciences strengthens Integra’s offerings in neurocritical care and Integra’s position as the world leader in advanced catheter technology.

“Neurocritical care is an important area of focus for Integra. We recently introduced our CereLink Intracranial Pressure Monitor and invested in clinical specialists to better support neurocritical care teams,” said Dan Reuvers, president of Codman Specialty Surgical. “Today’s acquisition expands our leading portfolio to better treat patients and underscores our commitment to addressing unmet needs in patient care.”

Catheter obstruction and bacterial colonization are two key challenges healthcare teams face in managing the external drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in neurocritical care patients. This acquisition complements Integra’s current portfolio and provides surgeons a full offering of therapeutic choices to address:

• Bacterial Colonization: Integra Lifesciences’ Bactiseal Anti-Microbial EVD Catheters offer a proven barrier in the reduction of gram positive bacterial colonization on the catheter surface for up to 28 days,¹ providing lasting protection during the critical post-implantation period.
• Catheter Obstruction: Arkis Biosciences’ CerebroFlo EVD Catheter features the exclusively-licensed Endexo Technology, a permanent additive that reduces fibrinogen and platelet activation and adhesion in the external ventricular management of CSF.²

“The introduction of the CerebroFlo EVD Catheter first established the benefits of Endexo in neurocritical care,” said Chad Seaver, Ph.D., chief executive officer, Arkis Biosciences. “As a world leader in neurosurgery, Integra is the right choice to extend the reach of this important technology to patients and clinicians worldwide.”

EVD catheters are used in combination with a variety of EVD systems for external drainage of CSF to manage elevated intracranial pressure in patients with acute brain injury and hydrocephalus. Reducing complications associated with EVD management, such as bacterial colonization on the EVD catheter surface or catheter obstruction, is fundamental to the practice of neurocritical care.

Integra LifeSciences does not expect this acquisition to have a material financial impact in 2019.

References
¹ Bering, EA: A simplified apparatus for constant ventricular drainage. J Neurosurg 8: 450-452, 1951.
² 510(k) Regulatory Filing. Arkis Biosciences CerebroFlo EVD Catheter with Endexo Technology. – MPO