Avanos Medical revealed the acquisition of Nexus Medical, a privately held medtech company based in Lenexa, Ks.

Nexus is the manufacturer of the proprietary TKO anti-reflux needleless connector technology. TKO is designed to support safer, more consistent nutrition and medication delivery in high-acuity settings like neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICUs and PICUs).

This acquisition adds technology to complement Avanos’ Specialty Nutrition Systems business. The company said it reinforces its focus on safe, realiable therapy delivery for neonates.

“This acquisition is a clear extension of our strategy to deliver smarter, safer solutions across the critical care spectrum,” said Avanos CEO Dave Pacitti. “We are proud to add the Nexus TKO technology and the full breadth of Nexus’ offerings to our portfolio as we continue investing in meaningful innovation that helps clinicians provide consistent care and improve outcomes for patients who need it most.”

The TKO needleless connector touts a pressure-activated tri-seal silicone valve that minimizes blood reflux, which is a known contributor to catheter occlusions, delays in therapy, and infection risk during IV-based nutrition and medication delivery.

Avanos financed the deal—whose financial terms were not disclosed—with available cash. The company expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive to revenue growth and earnings per share.

“Nexus TKO fits naturally into our Specialty Nutrition Systems business and is expected to deliver immediate value in NICU and PICU care,” said Kerr Holbrook, Avanos’ chief commercial officer. “It’s a practical, trusted solution that helps clinicians reduce disruptions and deliver therapy with greater consistency and ease.”

Last month, the company announced it had divested its Hyaluronic Acid (HA) product line to Channel-Markers Medical (CMM), a privately-held company based in Raleigh, N.C.