Covidien Intros EverFlex+ in Europe - Analyst Blog

Leading health care products maker Covidien plc (COV) has introduced its EverFlex+ self-expanding peripheral stent system in Europe. The new system represents the advanced version of the company's EverFlex stent technology for treating peripheral arterial disease. The launch underscores Covidien's sustained commitment to bringing in the latest technologies for treating vascular diseases.     

The next-generation EverFlex+ system reinforces Covidien's family of industry-leading stents for treating lesions in the superficial femoral artery (supplies blood to the knee and foot) and proximal popliteal artery (provides blood to the knee joint and thigh and calf muscles). EverFlex was launched globally in 2006 for peripheral arterial disease and stenting for the superficial femoral artery.          

The new system, which leverages the same customized technology as the existing EverFlex system, has been geared to lower the risk of fracture when elongated, thereby improving clinical outcomes. While retaining the similar radial strength and flexibility as the current system, it offers more durability for physicians.   

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 fast-growing markets, and boosting market share in core segments through investments in sales and marketing infrastructure.

The acquisition of eV3 in July 2010 has bolstered Covidien's foothold in the peripheral vascular and neurovascular markets and has strengthened its stent portfolio. Moreover, the divestiture of its specialty chemicals and sleep therapy product line has enabled Covidien to rationalize its product portfolio and reallocate resources to faster-growing, higher-margin businesses.

However, Covidien's Pharmaceuticals business remains challenged by aggressive competition and pricing pressure, which have contributed to erosion in generic products sales. Moreover, its hernia repair franchise has challenges ahead as C.R. Bard continues to strengthen its foothold in this market with new products. 

 
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