18 March 2026 China Pharma and Biotech Future of Tech: AI in China Healthcare Rebecca Liang, Ph.D. +852 2123 2656 rebecca.liang@bernsteinsg.com Ellie Li +852 2123 2621 ellie.li@bernsteinsg.com This report is part of a series on the Future of Tech in which we identify the key technologies and companies of the future. We provide an updated lay-of-the-land of AI applications in healthcare, across four industries: drug discovery, medical robots, AI imaging, and digital health and healthcare services. We see dru ...

Updated European Association of Urology guidelines reflect growing clinical evidence supporting Aquablation therapy in the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasiaSAN JOSE, Calif., March 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PROCEPT BioRobotics® (Nasdaq: PRCT) today highlighted the latest update to the European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines for male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which include an upgrade of Aquablation therapy to a strong recommendation as a surgical treatment option for me ...

Core Insights - The integration of robots in hospitals is focused on assisting rather than replacing surgeons, handling tasks that require less judgment and consume significant clinical staff time [1][4][12] Group 1: Nvidia's Healthcare Robotics Platform - Nvidia has launched an open platform specifically for healthcare robotics, which includes datasets, simulation tools, and AI models for surgical environments [2][10] - Early adopters of Nvidia's platform include Johnson & Johnson MedTech, CMR Surgical, PeritasAI, and Proximie, focusing on AI that observes surgeries and coordinates hospital workflows [3][12] Group 2: Addressing Workforce Challenges - The World Health Organization predicts a global shortfall of 10 million health workers by 2030, prompting hospitals to adopt automation for repetitive tasks amid staffing shortages [5][16] - AI systems are being developed to assist in intraoperative settings by analyzing live surgical video and providing real-time insights without controlling instruments [5][6] Group 3: Automation in Hospital Logistics - Hospitals are increasingly automating coordination tasks such as patient movement, instrument tracking, and sterilization management, which are high-volume and time-sensitive [14][15] - Automating these administrative tasks can free up clinical staff time, improve throughput, and reduce delays, presenting a straightforward economic case for hospitals [16][17] Group 4: Simulation and Data Utilization - Nvidia's Open-H dataset includes 776 hours of surgical video from 35 organizations, allowing developers to create AI models that generalize across various environments [10] - Simulation tools like Nvidia's Cosmos-H enable the generation of synthetic surgical data, allowing for faster testing and development cycles without relying solely on real-world footage [11][17]

Core Insights - Stereotaxis, Inc. (STXS) is a medical robotics company focused on developing devices for minimally invasive endovascular procedures, utilizing their proprietary Robotic Magnetic Navigation (RMN) platform, particularly in the field of electrophysiology [1] Company Overview - The company specializes in medical robotics, specifically targeting minimally invasive procedures [1] - Stereotaxis leverages its RMN platform to enhance the precision and effectiveness of electrophysiological interventions [1] Leadership and Expertise - The article mentions Myriam Hernandez Alvarez, who has extensive academic qualifications in electronics, telecommunication engineering, computer science, business management, and computer applications [1]

Core Insights - Intuitive Surgical Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG) is recognized as one of the top 11 robotics stocks to invest in currently [1] Group 1: Acquisition and Market Expansion - On March 2, Intuitive Surgical completed the acquisition of Southern Europe distribution businesses for its da Vinci and Ion systems, previously operated by ab medica, Abex, and Excelencia Robótica [2] - This acquisition allows Intuitive to directly operate in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta, San Marino, and associated territories, enhancing its market presence [2] - Approximately 250 employees from the acquired businesses have joined Intuitive's European commercial and marketing organization, now integrated under Senior Vice President and General Manager Dirk Barten [3] Group 2: Product and Technology Overview - The da Vinci surgical systems are designed for minimally invasive surgery, offering surgeons high-definition 3D vision and specialized instrumentation, including miniaturized surgical cameras and wristed instruments [4] - The Ion endoluminal system has recently been launched in Italy and Spain, expanding the company's product offerings in these markets [3]

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PROCEPT BioRobotics (Nasdaq: PRCT), today announced the international expansion of the HYDROS Robotic System, the company’s next-generation platform for delivering Aquablation therapy to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). HYDROS is the first AI-enabled robotic platform designed specifically for the treatment of BPH with Aquablation therapy. Leveraging AI-interpreted, real-time ultrasound imaging and advanced image-guided treatment planning, the sys ...

Core Insights - SS Innovations International, Inc. reported strong growth in SSi Mantra installations, procedures, and revenues for the fourth quarter and full year of 2025, highlighting significant market share gains in India and expansion into new global markets [4][5][6]. Financial Performance - Fourth quarter revenue increased by 79.1% to $14.5 million from $8.1 million in Q4 2024, with gross profit rising 60.7% to $6.4 million [5][7]. - For the full year 2025, total revenue reached $42.5 million, a 105.7% increase from $20.6 million in 2024, with gross profit up 131.2% to $19.5 million [5][9]. - The company reported a net loss of $2.5 million in Q4 2025, compared to a net loss of $1.9 million in Q4 2024, and a full-year net loss of $12.1 million, an improvement from a net loss of $19.2 million in 2024 [5][9]. Operational Highlights - SSi Mantra installations totaled 40 in Q4 2025, an increase of 81.8% from 22 installations in Q4 2024, and 103 installations for the full year, up 119.1% from 47 in 2024 [5][9]. - Cumulative surgeries reached 7,885, including 120 telesurgeries, with significant growth in various surgical procedures [5][9]. Strategic Initiatives - The company completed a private placement of common stock, generating approximately $18.6 million in gross proceeds to support growth initiatives [4][10]. - SS Innovations is progressing towards FDA approval for the SSi Mantra surgical robotic system and aims to obtain CE marking certification in the EU within the year [4][10]. Market Positioning - The company has gained significant share in the surgical robotics market in India and is preparing for entry into the U.S. and EU markets, enhancing its global presence [4][10]. - The SSi Mantra system is designed to be user-friendly and cost-effective, with advanced technology features aimed at making robotic surgery more accessible [12][11].

Core Insights - PROCEPT BioRobotics Corporation hosted its 2026 Investor Day to discuss market opportunities, long-term strategy, growth goals, and financial guidance for 2026-2027 [1] Market Opportunity - The company highlighted a significant underpenetrated market in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), with 40 million men in the U.S. affected [2][5] - PROCEPT has treated over 125,000 patients, showcasing a strong foundation of technology and clinical evidence [2][5] Strategic Focus - The CEO emphasized a shift towards establishing leadership in BPH through a comprehensive solution that provides durable symptom relief and lower adverse outcomes [3] - Future strategies will include growth in Aquablation procedures, disciplined pricing, commercial execution, patient education, and international expansion [3] Financial Guidance - The company projects annual revenue growth of 27% to 33% for 2026, with procedure growth expected to be between 39% and 48% [9] - For 2027, annual revenue growth is anticipated to be 25% to 30% [9] - Gross margins are expected to improve to 65% in 2026 and 68% to 70% in 2027 [9] - Positive adjusted EBITDA is expected in Q4 2026, with a gain of $25 to $30 million projected for 2027 [9]

Core Insights - PROCEPT BioRobotics Corporation reported a strong fourth quarter for 2025, achieving its highest procedure volume to date with approximately 12,200 procedures and selling 65 new systems, indicating robust growth and operational improvements [2][12]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q4 2025 was $76.4 million, a 12% increase compared to Q4 2024. U.S. revenue was $66.6 million, reflecting a 10% growth year-over-year, primarily driven by increased handpiece revenue [4][12]. - U.S. handpiece and consumable revenue reached $34.0 million, up 16% from the previous year, while system revenue remained flat at $27.6 million [4][12]. - The gross margin for Q4 2025 was 61%, down from 64% in the prior year, mainly due to lower-than-expected U.S. consumable revenue and a one-time cost related to a voluntary field action [5]. - Operating expenses for Q4 2025 were $77.4 million, an increase of 22% from $63.4 million in Q4 2024, reflecting investments in commercial expansion and R&D [6][9]. - The net loss for Q4 2025 was $29.8 million, compared to a loss of $18.9 million in Q4 2024. Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $19.0 million, worsening from a loss of $10.3 million in the prior year [7][10]. Annual Overview - For the full year 2025, total revenue was $308.1 million, a 37% increase from 2024, driven by U.S. revenue growth from system placements and handpiece sales [8]. - The gross margin for the full year improved to 64% from 61% in 2024, attributed to better overhead absorption and a favorable revenue mix [8]. - Operating expenses for the full year were $300.1 million, up 28% from $233.7 million in 2024, due to increased sales and marketing expenses [9]. - The net loss for 2025 was $95.6 million, slightly higher than the $91.4 million loss in 2024. Adjusted EBITDA loss was $50.2 million, an improvement from a loss of $61.1 million in 2024 [10]. Future Guidance - The company expects 2026 revenue to be between $390 million and $410 million, representing a growth of 27% to 33% compared to 2025. U.S. procedure growth is projected to be between 39% and 48% [11][18]. - The anticipated gross margin for 2026 is approximately 65%, with operating expenses expected to be around $350 million [18]. - The company aims to align handpiece unit sales closely with procedure volumes, which may impact projected handpiece revenue but is expected to be offset by higher handpiece prices [11][18].

Company Overview - PROCEPT BioRobotics Corporation focuses on developing transformative solutions in urology, particularly targeting benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) through its AquaBeam robotic surgical system [1] - The company aims to take market share from drug therapy by expanding the surgical market with a differentiated, technology-driven solution [2] Financial Performance - Since its IPO in 2021, PROCEPT's revenue has surged, with projections indicating that sales in 2025 could be approximately 9.5 times higher than current levels, reflecting rapid adoption of its technology [2] - Despite the growth driven by robotics and AI enthusiasm, the stock has faced a sharp reversal in 2025 due to uncertainties surrounding profitability, growth moderation, and total addressable market size [2] Leadership and Strategy - Larry Wood, the new CEO with a background in scaling TAVR at Edwards Lifesciences, is expected to provide multi-year revenue and profitability targets during an upcoming investor day [3] - The leadership transition is seen as central to the company's strategy and future execution [3] Market Opportunity - The opportunity for PROCEPT hinges on its differentiated technology and credible execution, with potential for expansion into adjacent markets [4] - Although the company remains unprofitable and is valued on an EV/sales basis, its projected growth for 2026 is expected to be roughly double that of Intuitive Surgical and triple that of Boston Scientific, indicating significant upside potential [4] Competitive Landscape - The company is positioned in a niche market focusing on BPH, contrasting with Intuitive Surgical's broader robotic surgery leadership [5] - The competitive landscape includes established players like Intuitive Surgical, which has seen a stock price depreciation of approximately 9.07% since previous bullish coverage [5]