Image courtesy of DistalmotionGlobal medtech company Distalmotion has successfully closed its Series G funding round after raising $150 million.
The new funding will be used to increase adoption of the Dexter robotic surgery system and to support ongoing clinical and product development efforts. Dexter has been incorporated into clinical practice across Europe and the U.S., with nearly 3,000 patients treated.
“Investors see strong momentum behind the shift of soft-tissue surgery to outpatient settings, along with a clear unmet need for a robotic platform designed specifically to facilitate this shift,” Distalmotion CEO Greg Roche told ASC News. “Confidence is further strengthened by our solid clinical foundation in Europe, where Dexter is growing in gynecology, urology and general procedures as well as expanding commercial traction in the U.S., where both surgeons and ASC administrators demand a practical robotic solution for high-volume procedures.”
A key focus of the U.S. expansion is on ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), according to the company.
“We are working closely with ASCs across the U.S. that are experiencing rapid growth and increasing demand from patients for minimally invasive robotic options,” Roche said. “These centers are looking for solutions that fit their operational, workflow and economic needs and Dexter is uniquely aligned with this shift.”
Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, with a U.S. office in Cleveland, Ohio, Distalmotion aims to expand access to robotic surgery for more surgeons and health care facilities worldwide, including hospital outpatient departments and ASCs.
Dexter was specifically designed to expand access to wristed robotic surgery, especially in ASC environments where space, efficiency and cost are crucial factors, according to Roche. The system eliminates many operational and financial barriers that restrict traditional robotic platforms, making robotic surgery more accessible for high-volume outpatient settings.
Distalmotion appoints executive chairman
Along with the $150 million in funding, the company announced the appointment of Chas McKhann as the executive chairman of the board of directors.
“We are excited to welcome Chas McKhann as executive chairman of the board,” Roche said. “McKhann brings over 25 years of leadership experience in life sciences, including deep expertise in commercial scaling, strategic execution and guiding companies through IPO preparation and successful exits. His track record in helping global businesses accelerate commercial momentum uniquely qualifies him to support the next phase of Distalmotion’s growth.”
McKhann previously served as CEO of Apollo Endosurgery and Silk Road Medical, two publicly traded medical device companies.
“Distalmotion has reimagined how robotic surgery can be adopted across care settings because Dexter delivers all the benefits of robotic surgery – dexterity, precision and ergonomics,” McKhann said. “With the recent [U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA)] clearance in gynecology and the release of product enhancements, the company is poised to accelerate adoption in the U.S. and globally at this pivotal stage in its growth trajectory.”
The FDA clearance expands Distalmotion’s presence in the U.S. clinical market and is especially significant as an increasing number of gynecologic procedures shift to outpatient settings, according to Roche.
“With this latest development, Dexter is now approved for three of the top five soft-tissue procedures performed in ASCs – inguinal hernia, cholecystectomy and hysterectomy,” he said. “Expanding our indications enhances our relevance for ASC teams – particularly those aiming to grow their service lines – and reinforces Dexter as a purpose-built solution tailored to high-volume outpatient environments.”
