NuVasive has traditionally focused technology on spinal instrumentation, implants and procedures with the XLIF, LessRay and other technologies.
In early July, the company released its Pulse platform and plans to launch the robotics aspect of the platform in September.
During the second quarter conference call, as transcribed by Seeking Alpha, Credit Suisse's Matt Miksic asked how competitive the U.S. spine market was, specifically in the robotics section.
"I do believe that our competitors, with some of the key commercial tactics, are driving with robotics," said CEO Chris Barry. "I don't know if it's having a direct impact on our ability to grow, but it's challenging. The U.S. market is a very competitive market. I do believe some of the competitors that were maybe not as competitive over the last several years have renewed their focus through robotics and some other key technologies. So, I think we're competing well, and I think our focus on proceduralization has paid off in dividends."
He also said that the pending robotics launch puts them on better "competitive footing" with competing portfolios with robotic technology, which include Medtronic with the Mazor X Stealth Edition and Globus Medical with ExcelsiusGPS. He said increased competition hasn't directly impacted NuVasive's business, but competitiveness has increased in the market over the past two years.
"We're seeing a general movement to consolidation of the market," said President Matt Link. "I think when we think about consolidation, critical factors include having a comprehensive offering of procedural solutions and technologies, and so the work we've done to really build out the portfolio comprehensively, to really participate in the market as a full-line spine provider, has been critical."
Mr. Barry expects NuVasive will realize revenue from Pulse in the next two quarters as the company moves through the final stages of the launch process.