Ireland-based healthcare product maker Covidien plc (COV) reported that its hernia and abdominal wall repair products have been showcased at the 32nd International Congress of the European Hernia Society (EHS). Data presented from company-sponsored clinical trials demonstrated encouraging potential of Covidien’s products in mitigating post-surgical pain and complications in hernia and abdominal wall repair procedures.

Presentations by surgeons at the EHS include preliminary data from two clinical studies comparing the company’s hernia repair products, Parietex ProGrip self-fixating mesh and AbsorbaTack absorbable fixation device (both launched in 2008), with their respective standards of care.

Results from the first study revealed that Parietex ProGrip mesh significantly reduced post-operative pain (compared with the gold standard sutured mesh repair) at the time of discharge and at day seven following the surgery. Moreover, it significantly shortened the duration of surgery and lowered infection rate.

AbsorbaTack also demonstrated significant reduction in pain vis-à-vis the standard of care (permanent fixation) at one month following inguinal (groin) hernia repair. These encouraging data further supports the clinical value and adoption of these repair products.

Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that develops and markets medical solutions for better patient outcomes. The company’s core medical devices business faces stiff competition from Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Becton Dickinson (BDX) and C.R. Bard (BCR).

Covidien boasts a well diversified product and technology portfolio. The company remains committed to rolling out new products and technologies, focusing on faster-growing products and markets, and boosting market share in core segments through investments in sales and marketing infrastructure. However, Covidien’s hernia repair franchise has challenges ahead as C.R. Bard continues to strengthen its foothold in this market with new products.

 
COVIDIEN PLC (COV): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Zacks Investment Research