News In Brief

Processed tissue cardiovascular implant maker CryoLife Inc. gains access to Hemosphere Inc.’s HeRO hemodialysis vascular access graft by acquiring the company for $17 million, plus potential revenue-based milestone payments of up to $4.5 million, under a definitive agreement announced May 15. HeRO, which is intended for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) hemodialysis patients with limited access options and central venous obstruction, received 510(k) clearance in 2009. Privately held Hemosphere generated sales of $5.3 million in 2011. CryoLife plans to leverage its 28-person cardiovascular sales team to expand HeRO marketing in the U.S. “We believe there is a significant opportunity for our sales team to leverage their strong relationships with vascular surgeons, many of whom already use our preserved human veins and arteries to provide arteriovenous access for ESRD patients, to introduce and to expand utilization of the HeRO graft in the U.S.,” said CryoLife CEO Steven G. Anderson. “In addition, we believe that potential product enhancements and international sales represent incremental HeRO graft growth opportunities.” HeRO gained European CE mark approval in 2011.

Investigation of Medronic’s Infuse bone graft is closed by the Department of Justice and U.S. attorney for the district of Massachusetts with no action taken, the company disclosed May 16....