In an effort to strengthen its position in the cardiovascular space, Johnson & Johnson will acquire V-Wave Ltd., a privately held company specializing in heart failure treatment technology for $600 million upfront, and an additional $1.1 billion based on regulatory approvals and commercial success.

V-Wave’s primary innovation, the Ventura Interatrial Shunt, is a minimally invasive implant designed to treat heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). By creating a small passage between the left and right atria, the device helps alleviate stress on the heart, potentially reducing hospitalizations and improving patient outcomes.

The device, which received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in 2019 and a CE mark in 2020, stands out in the market for targeting a treatment gap between standard medical therapies and more invasive procedures, such as left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and heart transplants.
Heart failure remains a significant global health challenge, with millions of patients experiencing reduced quality of life, frequent hospitalizations, and high mortality rates. In the U.S. alone, approximately 800,000 patients are affected by HFrEF each year. Johnson & Johnson sees this acquisition as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a market with substantial growth potential.

“We recognize the importance of identifying more diverse and effective treatments for heart failure,” said Tim Schmid, executive vice president and worldwide chairman of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, who also pointed out the long-standing relationship between Johnson & Johnson and V-Wave, dating back to their initial investment in the company in 2016. “We have a deep understanding of the technology and science,” he added, emphasizing confidence in the partnership's potential to improve patient care.

The deal follows Johnson & Johnson's acquisition of Shockwave Medical in April for approximately $13.1 billion, a move poised to reshape the treatment landscape for cardiovascular disease.

The V-Wave acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2024, pending regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Johnson & Johnson's continued expansion into high-growth markets, coupled with V-Wave's advanced cardiovascular technology, positions the company to strengthen its leadership in treating cardiovascular disease.

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