Axonics Wins Latest Battle in Patent War with Medtronic

Axonics has won a victory in an ongoing patent dispute with Medtronic over neuromodulation technology.

A jury in California federal court found that the Irvine, CA-based company didn’t infringe on Medtronic’s three patents related to neurostimulation technology.

Specifically, the technology is implanted into patients' lower backs to treat bladder and bowel control issues by stimulating the sacral nerve.

(Editor’s note: Axonics is in the process of being acquired by Boston Scientific for nearly $3.7 billion.)

“A jury of our peers recognized that Axonics’ proprietary tined lead design and temperature sensor technology is differentiated from our competitor’s intellectual property,” said Raymond Cohen, Axonics CEO. “As we have said since this case was first filed in late 2019, our view is that Medtronic’s lawsuit was initiated to stifle competition, limit patient and physician choice, and protect the incumbent’s monopoly in sacral neuromodulation. We are very pleased with the jury’s finding and continue to remain focused on fulfilling our mission of positively impacting the lives of adults with bladder and bowel dysfunction.”

In a statement emailed to MD+DI, a Medtronic spokesperson wrote, “Medtronic respectfully disagrees with the jury’s verdict and will file post-trial motions, and an appeal, if necessary, to overturn this verdict. Additionally, Medtronic will continue fighting to protect and enforce its intellectual property rights with a pending case against Axonics at the International Trade Commission.”

Related:Medtronic and Axonics Back for Final Showdown

Dublin-based Medtronic is credited as pioneering the SNM market more than 20 years ago with its InterStim device. Axonics came to the market in 2019 with a rechargeable version of a similar device.

After the approval, Medtronic filed a lawsuit, which set off a volley of challenges and litigation between the two companies.