Former Synthes sales rep counter-sues in generic ortho devices battle (Mass Device)
Former Synthes sales rep turned Emerge Medical CEO John Marotta filed a countersuit against the med-tech giant's claims that Marotta and others violated their non-compete agreements in selling cheaper "generic" versions of orthopedic screws and drill bits.
Former Synthes Inc. sales rep John Marotta fought back against his erstwhile employer, lodging a counterclaim alleging antitrust violations and claiming that the device giant is using litigation to crush competitors.
Marotta mans the corner office at Emerge Medical Inc., a Denver, Colo.-based orthopedic device maker that offers generic components like surgical screws and drill bits at lower prices.
Marotta is part of a growing interest in generic medical devices, a market that may play a role in increasing already-heavy pricing pressure on the device industry.
"The payers are moving in our direction," Marotta told thePhiladelphia Inquirer. "If you have a $6,000 total knee replacement and a $3,000 total knee replacement that is substantially equivalent, with the same clinical outcome, the market will choose the $3,000 knee. Hospitals, surgeons, and...
