Analysts support Boston Scientific's plan to buy Axonics for $3.4bn in cash. The deal is expensive, but gives Boston Scientific a strong position in the fast-growing sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy market and boosts its existing portfolio of products for incontinence.

Relievant’s Intracept intraosseous nerve ablation system is the only FDA-cleared neuromodulation device indicated to treat vertebrogenic pain. Boston Scientific will pay $850m for Relievant, plus undisclosed milestone payments over the next three years.

Unmet needs are at the core of Endeavour Vision’s investment strategy, accepting that payment models may need to change as patients become more directly involved in device development.

The pandemic has shaken up investor priorities and changed the outlook for health care start-ups – or has it? Nooman Haque managing director, life sciences and healthcare at Silicon Valley Bank, gives his view of what has changed over the past year, and looks at future trends.