Stryker Receives FDA Clearance For OptaBlate System Aimed At Low Back Pain Relief: Retail’s Yet To React

Medical technology company Stryker Corp. (SYK) on Monday announced that its OptaBlate basivertebral nerve ablation system (BVNA) has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

OptaBlate BVNA is used in a targeted minimally invasive procedure to relieve vertebrogenic low back pain. It targets the basivertebral nerve, a nerve found within the bones of the spine and responsible for carrying pain information to the brain, to provide relief.

By using radiofrequency, BVNA can effectively disrupt pain signaling.

The system is recommended for chronic low back pain of at least six months duration that has not responded to at least six months of conservative care, such as medications and injections. The company said that evidence points towards patients treated with BVNA having sustained benefits in pain and function for up to five years.

OptaBlate BVNA, the company said, adds to its pain management portfolio.

For the first quarter, Stryker reported a net sales increase of 11.9% to $5.9 billion, with Medsurg and neurotechnology segment sales rising 13.4% to $3.5 billion and orthopaedics revenue rising 9.7% to $2.4 billion. Net earnings per diluted share in the quarter came in at $1.69.

For full-year 2025, the company expects adjusted net earnings per diluted share to be in the range of $13.20 to $13.45, including a potential tariff impact of $200 million.

On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around Stryker stayed within the ‘neutral’ territory over the past 24 hours while message volume remained ‘low’.

SYK stock has gained by about 10% this year and over 19% over the past 12 months.

Also See: Paramount Global Launches Strategic Review Amid Skydance Merger Talks, CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon Resigns

For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.