Johnson & Johnson will stop selling its Linx gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, treatment in certain countries, following a review of market conditions, the company said in an emailed statement.
The Linx device is a flexible ring of small magnets placed around the lower esophageal sphincter to help keep it closed and prevent reflux. GERD is a severe form of acid reflux, in which stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus.
A J&J spokesperson said the safety and efficacy of the Linx device has not changed.
“We are consistently evaluating our surgical technologies portfolio to focus on areas of high unmet patient need, advance our most innovative technologies, and create agility in our operations as we shape what’s next in surgery,” the spokesperson wrote. “Following a thorough evaluation of market conditions and ability to effectively serve each market, we have made the decision to exit our LINX business in certain countries.”
J&J did not specify in which countries it would stop offering the device, or when it would exit those markets.
Bloomberg first reported on the market withdrawals on Tuesday, citing a letter to doctors from the company that the news outlet viewed.
Last year, J&J said the Food and Drug Administration approved a label update to expand availability of the Linx system in the U.S. to patients with Barrett’s esophagus who have GERD symptoms.
