LivaNova reports positive VNS Therapy study results for epilepsy

Published 05/06/2025, 13:30
LivaNova reports positive VNS Therapy study results for epilepsy

LONDON - LivaNova PLC (NASDAQ:LIVN), a prominent medical technology company valued at $2.43 billion, announced the completion of the CORE-VNS study, which examined the effectiveness of VNS Therapy™ in treating severe focal seizures in individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). According to InvestingPro analysis, the company appears undervalued based on its Fair Value metrics, with analysts maintaining optimistic forecasts for net income growth this year. For deeper insights into LivaNova’s valuation and growth potential, visit our Most Undervalued Stocks list. The final 36-month data from the study, which involved over 800 participants worldwide, confirmed the therapy’s sustained benefits in both pediatric and adult patients.

The CORE-VNS study is notable for its long-term, real-world approach to evaluating the impact of VNS Therapy on epilepsy, a condition where certain seizures are resistant to drug treatments. The study’s findings are significant, showing substantial reductions in the frequency of focal onset seizures with impaired awareness (FIA) and focal to bilateral tonic-clonic (FBTC) seizures, which are often considered the most debilitating forms of epilepsy.

For children aged 4 to 18, the median reduction in FIA motor seizures reached 87% at 36 months, with an overall median reduction of 80% across all ages. Similarly, FBTC seizures in children showed a median reduction of 100%, with 49% of patients across all ages experiencing complete freedom from these seizures at the three-year mark.

The effectiveness of VNS Therapy was observed as early as three months post-implantation and continued to improve over time. The study also highlighted a high retention rate of 82% over the three-year follow-up period, underscoring the treatment’s acceptance among patients. This success aligns with LivaNova’s strong operational performance, reflected in its impressive 69.43% gross profit margin and 7.62% revenue growth over the last twelve months. InvestingPro data reveals the company maintains a GREAT financial health score of 3.01, suggesting robust operational efficiency. Get access to 6 more exclusive ProTips and comprehensive analysis with an InvestingPro subscription.

Kathryn Nichol, Ph.D., Vice President of Global Medical Affairs at LivaNova, emphasized the importance of the findings, stating that the study confirms the therapy’s effectiveness for severe focal seizures in both pediatric and adult patients. Stephanie Bolton, President of Global Epilepsy at LivaNova, pointed out that the results support efforts to bridge the treatment gap for DRE and increase access to surgical therapies for this challenging patient population.

The CORE-VNS study is the largest prospective study of its kind and is expected to be published in full later this year. Adverse events reported were consistent with those outlined in the product’s labeling, with the most common being respiratory and mediastinal disorders.

This announcement is based on a press release statement and aims to provide a balanced perspective on the study’s outcomes without endorsing the claims. VNS Therapy is an adjunctive treatment for reducing seizure frequency in individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy as young as four years old. The therapy involves an outpatient procedure that does not require skull penetration, distinguishing it from other surgical options.

For further information on VNS Therapy and its applications, individuals can visit the official website at VNSTherapy.com. For investors seeking detailed financial analysis, LivaNova is among the 1,400+ US equities covered by comprehensive Pro Research Reports available exclusively on InvestingPro, offering actionable insights for informed investment decisions.

In other recent news, LivaNova PLC reported first-quarter 2025 sales of $317 million, marking an 8.9% increase on a constant currency basis, surpassing the consensus estimate of $302 million. The company’s earnings per share (EPS) also exceeded expectations at $0.88, compared to the projected $0.76. LivaNova has adjusted its full-year revenue guidance to a growth range of 6-7% on a constant currency basis, up from the previous 5-6% forecast. However, the company slightly lowered its EPS guidance to $3.60-3.70 due to impacts from the SNIA and tariffs.

In other developments, LivaNova has initiated a process with the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to reconsider Medicare coverage for its Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy in treatment-resistant depression, based on promising 24-month data. The company also faces a $360 million liability following an Italian Supreme Court decision related to environmental damages linked to a former parent company. Wolfe Research recently upgraded LivaNova’s stock rating from Peer Perform to Outperform, citing improved valuation and resolution of legal issues in Italy.

Additionally, Jefferies increased LivaNova’s stock price target from $74 to $79, maintaining a Buy rating, reflecting confidence in the company’s growth trajectory, particularly in the Heart-Lung Machine and Neuro segments. The company is also focusing on expanding its oxygenator product capacity, which constitutes a significant portion of its revenue. These recent developments highlight LivaNova’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its market position and growth prospects.

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