First Triojection cases in Germany were recently completed by Prof. Dr. Thomas Vogl MD.

January 31, 2018

Minimus Spine Inc., manufacturer of the patented Triojection System, intended to produce ozone gas for spinal disc herniations, announced today that the first cases of Triojection in Germany were recently performed. The cases were done at the University of Frankfurt and performed by Prof. Dr. Thomas Vogl MD, Director of the Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at the J.W. Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt am Main.

“I successfully completed 10 Triojection cases in December”, said Dr.Vogl. “It is an elegant design and simple to use. I particularly appreciate how Triojection is designed for safety and consistency. Triojection is unique in that it creates the ozone inside a sterile syringe and simultaneously measures the concentration of ozone within the syringe. This product advances the state of the art and gives me a new level of confidence in what is actually administered to the patient’s disc. Early results have been favorable and I intend to continue with Triojection in my practice.”

David Hooper Ph.D., Minimus Spine’s CEO, added “We are excited to have Dr. Vogl as one of our earliest adopters. He is a leader in his field and his support validates our belief that Triojection sets a new standard for spinal ozone injections.”

Dr. Vogl is a listed author on more than 500 peer reviewed articles related to interventional radiology and currently sits on the editorial boards for the journals European Radiology and Academic Radiology. The University of Frankfurt has been performing spinal ozone injections for more than 10 years. In 2012, Dr. Vogl and his colleagues published a key paper describing the reduction of disk volume following intradiscal ozone injection in 283 subjects with disc herniation.

About Minimus Spine Inc.: Established in 2006, Minimus Spine is a privately held medical device company dedicated to developing the Triojection technology the non-surgical treatment of herniated discs. Minimus Spine’s CEO and team largely stem from Spinal Concepts, another spinal startup that was sold to Abbott for $170M. The company is positioning itself for sale to one of several medical device strategics after achieving successful European adoption of its product. Minimus Spine maintains its headquarters in Austin, TX. For more information on Minimus Spine, please visit www.minimusspine.com or email info@minimusspine.com.

Centric Medical Announces First Quarter Participation at Industry Meetings to Showcase Its Foot & Ankle Portfolio

January 31, 2018

HUNTLEY, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Centric Medical, the Foot & Ankle division of Life Spine, Inc., which focuses on developing surgical implants for the treatment of distal extremity pathology announced today that it will be participating in the 2018 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting which will be held March 6-10 in New Orleans, Louisiana, as well as the 76th Annual 2018 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) Meeting to be held March 22-25 in Nashville, Tennessee. The meetings are expected to attract over 12,000 and 1,800 surgeons, respectfully, with other healthcare professionals from across the globe.

Centric Medical will be promoting the TARSA-LINK® Stand-Alone Wedge Fixation System, the TARSA-LINK® BUNION Stand-Alone Wedge Fixation System, the ROGUE™ Hammertoe Correction System, as well as the newly FDA cleared Foot Plating System and the Cannulated Screw System. In addition, Centric Medical will highlight their Biologics systems, including OSTEO-LINK® 100% Demineralized Bone Matrix and MARROW CELLUTION™ Bone Marrow Harvesting System. Centric Medical’s booth number at AAOS is 714, and booth number at ACFAS is 339.

About Centric Medical

Centric Medical is dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients with distal extremity symptomatology, increasing procedural efficiency and efficacy through innovative design, uncompromising quality standards, and the most technologically advanced manufacturing platforms. Centric Medical, which is privately held, is based in Huntley, Illinois. For more information, please visit: http://www.centricmedical.com.

Contacts

For Centric Medical
Mr. Omar Faruqi
Chief Financial Officer
ofaruqi@lifespine.com
847-884-6117

Anika Therapeutics Announces Strategic Collaboration with the Institute of Integrative Biology at the University of Liverpool to Develop an Innovative Therapy for Osteoarthritis

February 01, 2018

BEDFORD, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Anika Therapeutics, Inc., (NASDAQ: ANIK), a global, integrated orthopedic medicines company specializing in therapeutics based on its proprietary hyaluronic acid (“HA”) technology, today announced an agreement with the Institute of Integrative Biology at the University of Liverpool to collaborate on research to develop an injectable mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA).

The purpose of this three-year research collaboration is to develop a novel MSC therapy for the treatment of OA, and if successful, is expected to yield a lead candidate that will move toward clinical development within a year of the collaboration’s completion.

Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic condition of the joints, affecting over 230 million people globally. OA can affect any joint, but it occurs most often in knees, hips, lower back, neck, small joints of the fingers, and the bases of the thumb and big toe. In normal joints, cartilage covers the end of each bone and acts as a cushion between the bones. However, osteoarthritis causes this cartilage to break down, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint.

“We are very excited to partner with the University of Liverpool and Professor Hollander to continue his research into an innovative treatment for osteoarthritis patients,” said Dr. Charles H. Sherwood, Chief Executive Officer, Anika Therapeutics. “This research will consist of a novel product design and pre-clinical testing, that has the potential to produce an advanced therapy to treat the joint damage and pain caused by this debilitating condition.”

Anthony Hollander, the Head of the Institute of Integrative Biology, said, “Cellular therapy is already being used in some countries for osteoarthritis with some evidence that it transiently reduces pain. Our new approach to cellular therapy may provide a durable treatment for osteoarthritis.” He added, “This collaboration with Anika will allow us to accelerate any discoveries through to clinical and commercial development.”

About the Institute for Integrative Biology at the University of Liverpool

The Institute of Integrative Biology (IIB; https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/integrative-biology/) provide one of the most vibrant and integrated biosciences environments in the UK. The Institute comprises 220 staff (including 75 Principal Investigators) and 150 postgraduate students. With a research income of ~£9.5m annually. Scientists deliver ground-breaking research within four key research themes, including the Centre for Genomic Research, the Centre for Proteome Research,, the Centre for Cell Imaging, and the NMR Centre for Structural Biology. The IIB has a large impact throughout the world, through major partnerships with large companies such as Unilever and AstraZeneca, and strong global links into major research enterprises in Japan, Brazil, USA and China.

About Anika Therapeutics, Inc.

Anika Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ANIK) is a global, integrated orthopedic medicines company based in Bedford, Massachusetts. Anika is committed to improving the lives of patients with degenerative orthopedic diseases and traumatic conditions with clinically meaningful therapies along the continuum of care, from palliative pain management to regenerative cartilage repair. The Company has over two decades of global expertise developing, manufacturing, and commercializing more than 20 products based on its proprietary hyaluronic acid (HA) technology. Anika’s orthopedic medicine portfolio includes ORTHOVISC®MONOVISC®, and CINGAL®, which alleviate pain and restore joint function by replenishing depleted HA, and HYALOFAST®, a solid HA-based scaffold to aid cartilage repair and regeneration. For more information about Anika, please visit www.anikatherapeutics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements made in the first, second, fourth, and fifth paragraphs of this press release, which are not statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, those relating to the potential product that could be yielded by the Company’s collaboration with the University of Liverpool and the timeline for the delivery and clinical trial work associated with such product. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, and other factors. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from any anticipated future results, performance, or achievements described in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors including (i) the Company’s ability to successfully commence and/or complete clinical trials of its products on a timely basis or at all, obtain pre-clinical or clinical data to support domestic and international pre-market approval applications or 510(k) applications, or timely file and receive FDA or other regulatory approvals or clearances of its products, or that such approvals will not be obtained in a timely manner or without the need for additional clinical trials, other testing or regulatory submissions, as applicable; (ii) the Company’s research and product development efforts, including those with the University of Liverpool, and their relative success, including whether we have any meaningful sales of any new products resulting from such efforts; (iii) the cost effectiveness and efficiency of the Company’s clinical studies, manufacturing operations and production planning; (iv) the strength of the economies in which the Company operate or will be operating, as well as the political stability of any of those geographic areas; (v) future determinations by the Company to allocate resources to products and in directions not presently contemplated; (vi) the Company’s ability to successfully commercialize its products, in the U.S. and abroad; (vii) the Company’s ability to provide an adequate and timely supply of its products to its customers; (viii) the Company’s ability to continue to successfully manage Anika Therapeutics S.r.l.’s business; and (ix) the Company’s ability to achieve its growth targets.

Contacts

For Investor Inquiries:
Anika Therapeutics, Inc.
Sylvia Cheung, Chief Financial Officer
Tel: (781) 457-9000
or
For Media Inquiries:
Pure Communications
Sonal Vasudev, 917-523-1418, sonal@w2ogroup.com
or
University of Liverpool
Nicola Frost
Press Officer, External Relations, Marketing and Communications
University of Liverpool
nicola.frost@liverpool.ac.uk,
Tel: +44 (0)151 795 9620

Controlling the chaos as a device rep – Why my “system” stunk and yours might, too

Life as a device rep is primarily reactive and can be chaotic. You’re often the last person called or thought of in the process. I always loved when I’d proactively check if any cases had been added for me at my account and hear, “Oh yeah, we added this one and it’s scheduled for….30 minutes from now.. are you going to be here?” Life comes at you fast after hearing that. And you have to be prepared, or you lose.

After you change your pants, you probably start calling and texting frantically to the rest of your team. Now your at the mercy of everyone else helping you locate what you need (if they’re even able to take your call). If they’re not answering, you start checking all the different tools you might use to organize your business.

As a ortho rep, here are the tools I was using to manage my territory:

Phone Notes Kept track of random thoughts for various hospitals & surgeon preferences.
Excel Products & Pricing – created my own spreadsheet of all the products, numbers, and the relative discounts across all the hospital.
iBooks This is where I kept all the PDF’s (including my beautiful pricing sheet) of op-techs and relevant journal articles
Contacts I tried to get each hospital organized as much as possible in these with all the various numbers between SPD, Accounts Payable (for POs), OR Front desk, and then the various ORs that we commonly operated in.

Side note: The notes section of these contacts were a mess of different people and contacts at the hospital. Often, I just went back to the notes to manage these

Scannable App I used this to take pictures of my usage pages after the procedure. This was much more efficient than having stacks of old usage in my bag until the end the month. I didn’t use this to track anything other than to essentially have a centralized storage location of all my documents

This was helpful in locating and identifying discrepancies in usage. Also allowed for quickly re-sending usage to Accounts Payable when looking for POs at the end of the month.

–       Something to consider: transmitting usage forms with patient information included in the email is a breach of HIPAA.

Google Calendar Being in trauma, this was critical. Being in two different branches, everyone had their own process for managing these. Groups of calendars and procedures for scheduling them and/or inviting others when needing assistance.
Word Some of the accounts where we had inventory consigned, I created booklets to leave at the account for any associates to be able to use when resetting trays or locating items. These included pictures, packing slips/par level information, surgeon notes, etc
Binders I created these beauties for different hospitals where we had instruments consigned. These had laminated pictures of trays, inventory lists, and billing sheets.

That’s 8 off the top of my head, and I’m sure there were more. Here’s just a few problems with my “system”:

  1. There was no consistency – each hospital, surgeon, procedure had a different place/location housing the information I needed. When it came to crunch time, it would be frustrating and time-consuming sifting through these different platforms to find the info I needed.
  2. This “system” was specific to me. When a colleague came to help me out with coverage, I had to spend a considerable amount of time just helping them get to the OR (we all know how complicate that can be anymore!)
  3. It’s not scalable. So much of what went on at each hospital was dependent on my knowledge. Even if I was away on vacation, I still spent a considerable amount of time on the phone explaining how to do various tasks. Upon return, I always had a few days of clean-up to get things back in order.

If your territory is completely dependent on you to run properly, you’re probably working yourself into an early grave, while also limiting your growth potential.

You need to control the chaos. When you’re using a platform like Surg.io, you could filter your calendar to see where all of those tubs are at in real-time and make a quick and informed decision.

Centralizing your tools allows you to take control on your side of the OR. Organizing your business more effectively before and after procedures. This centralized system that allows you to filter and plan your schedule, review outstanding PO’s, analyze your product mix and sales trends, and more. Everything you need to work smarter. Even further, working on the same platform with the rest of your team takes everyone to the next level.

 

Here’s a case file to organize everything for your procedure before and after.

If you are interested in learning how you can easily get started doing this, I would be happy to show you how simple it is. Choose 5 of your surgeons, a couple hospitals, and however many manufacturers you want. I’ll personally walk you through setting up your basics to get you off and running. What do you have to lose, except a lot of wasted time and frustration? You stand to gain a more sustainable system that can actually help you be more successful.

Let’s talk:

jwertz@surg.io

480-426-1389

US Spinal Implants and VCF Market Report Suite 2017-2023 – Motion Preservation Segment Will Be the Fastest Growing in the Market – ResearchAndMarkets.com

February 01, 2018

DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The “Spinal Implants and Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF) Market Report Suite for US 2017-2023 – MedSuite (Includes 10 Reports)” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.

Despite many challenges, growth is expected in many market segments, as the patient demographics in the U.S. maintain a steady demand for such procedures. Growth has slowed in the last few years as newer, minimally invasive innovations gradually cannibalized the traditional spine market. The motion preservation segment will be the fastest growing in the market, and will be continually driven by novel and emerging technologies.

The biggest limiting factor for the spinal fusion markets is the development of motion preservation technology. Lumbar artificial discs (LADs) have not been as successful at cannibalizing thoracolumbar fixation devices as previously anticipated due to a lack of reimbursement and unfavorable clinical results. Favorable reimbursement policies are expected for these devices as favorable clinical results involving newer devices emerge.

One of the key drivers for the interbody fusion market is the increase in the target population, which is composed of aging baby boomers. The majority of spinal fusion procedures are performed on those individuals over the age of 60. This age group is the fastest growing demographic in the United States.

Minimally invasive interbody options will continue to cannibalize areas of the standard interbody market, particularly traditional ALIF and PLIF approaches. However, other areas of the standard market will continue to experience growth.

General Report Contents

  • Market Analyses include: Unit Sales, ASPs, Market Value & Growth Trends
  • Market Drivers & Limiters for each chapter segment
  • Competitive Analysis for each chapter segment
  • Section on recent mergers & acquisitions

Companies Mentioned

  • Medtronic
  • DePuy Synthes
  • Stryker
  • Zimmer Biomet
  • Globus Medical
  • NuVasive
  • Orthofix
  • K2M
  • Alphatec Spine
  • DJO
  • Aesculap
  • Atlas Spine
  • Benvenue Medical
  • Centinel Spine
  • Custom Spine
  • DFine
  • Exactech
  • Inion
  • Life Spine
  • Orthofix
  • Osseon
  • Paradigm BioDevices
  • Pioneer Surgical

Key Topics Covered:

  1. Executive Summary
  2. Research Methodology
  3. U.S. Spinal Implants and VCF Market Overview
  4. Procedure Numbers
  5. Cervical Fixation Market
  6. Thoracolumbar Fixation Market
  7. Interbody Device Market
  8. Motion Preservation Device Market
  9. Vertebral Compression Fracture Market
  10. Spinal Electrical Stimulation Device Market

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/tmsqnk/us_spinal?w=4

Contacts

ResearchAndMarkets.com
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com
For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470
For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630
For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Related Topics: Orthopedic Devices

Advanced Biomedical Technologies Inc. Granted New Patent Strengthening its Core Technology

SHENZHEN, CHINA and NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Advanced Biomedical Technologies Inc. (OTCQB:ABMT), a developer and manufacturer of orthopaedic internal fixation devices, today announced the State Intellectual Property Office of The People’s Republic of China (“SIPO”) has issued the Company a new patent titled “Bone Fracture Plate Made of High Polymer Materials”.

The company’s subsidiary Shenzhen Changhua Biomedical Engineering Company Limited is entitled for the new patent (ZL 2014 1 0647464.1), which strengthens the Company’s position in manufacturing process and related controls using our unique polyamide materials (“PA”).

Ms. Wang Hui, CEO of the company said, “This new patent strengthens our IP rights and enables us to develop new products. The combination of fiber-reinforced technology and bionic structure design, allows the medical devices to contain similar mechanical properties to human bone. The elastic fixation does not produce stress shielding, resulting in good fixation effect and biocompatibility. The devices can stimulate bone tissues to achieve effective biological integration, which will benefit bone regeneration. Our uniquely formulated materials can be widely used in the field of orthopaedic internal fixation in an ever-growing and prospective market which is currently dominated by existing materials such as metal and Poly-Lactic-Acid based devices.”

About Advanced Biomedical Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: ABMT)

Advanced Biomedical Technologies, Inc.’s primary product line includes internal fixation devices consisting of proprietary high grade polymers (polyamide – “PA”). Our products are used in a variety of applications including orthopaedic trauma, sports related medical treatment, or cartilage injuries, and reconstructive dental procedures. During the healing process, the products stimulate new bone growth which replaces the degrading device, leaving newer, stronger bone in the exact location of the injury; thus making the site of the injury stronger and more resistant to recurring damage.

These products provide an alternative to metal implants and overcome the limitations of other re-absorbable fixation devices. The material is utilized in producing human body implant screws, binding wires, rods and related implantation products. With over 15 years of meticulous in clinical trials, the company has developed the internal fixation devices to be clinically effective and safe.

The products and materials that the Company has created differ from competing bio-degradable and metal based products being marketed today by:

–  The ability to control the speed that the device degrades; therefore improving upon the healing time.

–  Eliminating the need for a second surgery to replace device due to infection or other post-operative complications.

–  The capability of being evenly absorbed from outer layer inwards, so that it gives enough restoration time for bone healing and re-growth.

The company is establishing broad and new intellectual property protection schemes around our unique PA product lines, not only on its combination compounds, but also to lead as an outstanding material in the future of clinical activity.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Investors are cautioned that such statements in this release, including statements relating to regulatory and business strategies, plans and objectives of management and growth opportunities for existing or proposed products, constitute forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks that product candidates may fail in the clinic or may not be successfully marketed or manufactured, we may lack financial resources to complete development or marketing of our products, government regulatory agencies may interpret the results of studies differently than us, competing products may be more successful, demand for new pharmaceutical products may decrease, the biopharmaceutical industry may experience negative market trends, our continuing efforts to develop bone fixation devices may be unsuccessful, our common stock could be delisted from the over-the-counter market, and other risks and challenges detailed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date of this release. We undertake no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Follow us on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/biomedical_inc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-biomedical-technologies-inc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Advanced-Biomedical-Technologies-Inc-183454282241087/

Contact:

Kai Gui

Advanced Biomedical Technologies Inc.

TEL: 1-718-766-7898

EMAIL: info@abtbiomedical.com

Source: Advanced Biomedical Technologies Inc.

Ceterix Announces Completion of Groundbreaking Study of Repair for Meniscal Tears Previously Thought Unrepairable

January 31, 2018

FREMONT, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ceterix® Orthopaedics, Inc., a developer of novel surgical tools that improve a surgeon’s ability to perform minimally invasive orthopaedic procedures, today announced completion of enrollment in STITCH (A Prospective, Non-randomized, Multi-Center Investigation of All-suture-based Repair of Horizontal Meniscal Tears1), the first-ever prospective multicenter investigation of suture-based repair for patients with horizontal meniscus tears, a common type of knee injury.

Because common opinion has held that meniscus repair is not effective for this tear type, horizontal cleavage tears are often treated with meniscectomy – partial removal of the meniscus – despite meniscectomy’s well-established limitations and long-term consequences, including the increased risk of arthritis.In fact, a systemic literature review shows that healing rates for horizontal cleavage tears are comparable to other meniscal tear types that are routinely repaired3, suggesting that more horizontal cleavage tears could be repaired, saving patients the risks of meniscectomy.

The primary objectives of the STITCH study are to assess the success of horizontal meniscus tear repair using Ceterix’s NovoStitch® meniscal repair system or other suture-only techniques, and to assess improvements in knee pain and function after repair. The study targeted enrollment of 30 adults who are 60 and younger at 10 investigational sites in the United States.

“This study aimed to establish the therapeutic value of repair of horizontal tears in multiple practices and across a broad age range,” said orthopaedic surgeon Peter Kurzweil, M.D., principal investigator of the STITCH study. “This study will provide the most credible evidence yet available about this very prevalent and important tear type.”

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed by an orthopaedic surgeon in which a damaged joint is treated, through small incisions with specialized tools, under the guidance of a tiny camera called an arthroscope. Meniscus surgeries are the most common arthroscopic surgery in the United States, with roughly one million procedures annually.

“We are proud to invest in increased understanding of the benefits of our technologies,” said John McCutcheon, president and CEO of Ceterix. “We hope that the results of this study will mean that more patients are spared the potential downsides of meniscectomy through increased use of suture-based repair for these types of tears.”

Ceterix’s NovoStitch meniscal repair system enables surgeons to place stitches arthroscopically in tight joint compartments and thereby address complex knee, hip and shoulder injuries that have not been amenable to repair in the past.

About Ceterix® Orthopaedics

Ceterix® Orthopaedics develops surgical tools that expand and improve what is possible for physicians who treat soft tissue joint injuries such as meniscus tears. Founded in 2010 with the vision of improving outcomes of arthroscopic procedures, Ceterix’s novel meniscal repair system enables surgeons to place suture patterns that were previously only possible in open procedures, or not at all. The NovoStitch Plus meniscal repair system has received 510k clearance in the United States and is indicated for approximation of soft tissue in meniscal repair procedures. The company is based in Fremont, Calif. and is backed by investors Versant Ventures, 5AM Ventures and CRG. For more information, please visit www.ceterix.com.

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02237001

Papalia, R. et. al. Meniscectomy as a risk factor for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review. British Medical Bulletin. 2011; 99:89-106.

Kurzweil, P. et.al. Repair of Horizontal Meniscus Tears: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy. 2014 Aug 6.

Contacts

for Ceterix Orthopaedics
Sierra Smith, 408-540-4296
sierra@healthandcommerce.com

SeaSpine Expands Ventura™ NanoMetalene® Implant Offering to Accommodate Larger Range of Posterior Procedures

Carlsbad, Calif. / Jan. 31, 2018 – SeaSpine Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SPNE), a global medical technology company focused on surgical solutions for the treatment of spinal disorders, today announced the portfolio expansion of the Ventura™ NanoMetalene® posterior interbody device. Ventura NanoMetalene, which has been commercially available since 2015, has expanded its size offerings to accommodate a larger range of posterior procedures and a wider variety of patient anatomies. These new sizes include additional lengths and oblique placement options with sagittally oriented lordosis.

The Ventura interbody devices feature proprietary NanoMetalene surface technology. NanoMetalene describes a sub-micron layer of commercially pure titanium molecularly bonded to a PEEK implant using a high-energy, low-temperature process referred to as atomic fusion deposition. It is designed to provide implants a bone-friendly titanium surface on endplates and throughout graft apertures, while retaining the benefits associated with traditional PEEK implants, such as biocompatibility, a modulus of elasticity similar to bone, and excellent radiographic visibility for post-operative imaging.

Ali Chahlavi, MD, a neurosurgeon practicing in Jacksonville, FL and an early adopter of NanoMetalene, commented, “NanoMetalene has been an integral part of my fusion procedures. These implants deliver the same surface characteristics of titanium while maintaining PEEK’s radiolucency for clear assessment of fusion post-operatively, which has not always been my experience with a full titanium device.” With respect to the new lordotic options, he said, “the additional lordosis will improve my ability to restore better natural alignment to my patients.”

SeaSpine’s entire portfolio of posterior lumbar NanoMetalene interbody devices is cleared for use with both autograft and allograft. Having the additional indication allows surgeons more bone grafting options, including using Ventura NanoMetalene with SeaSpine’s new line of allograft demineralized bone fiber products.

“NanoMetalene is a differentiated product in a market that has become increasingly competitive,” stated Troy Woolley, Vice President of Marketing. “The expansion of this technology coupled with our advanced orthobiologics demonstrates our commitment to provide complementary, cost-effective procedural solutions to surgeons, hospitals and patients.”

About SeaSpine

SeaSpine (www.seaspine.com) is a global medical technology company focused on the design, development and commercialization of surgical solutions for the treatment of patients suffering from spinal disorders. SeaSpine has a comprehensive portfolio of orthobiologics and spinal implants solutions to meet the varying combinations of products that neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons need to perform fusion procedures on the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine. SeaSpine’s orthobiologics products consist of a broad range of advanced and traditional bone graft substitutes that are designed to improve bone fusion rates following a wide range of orthopedic surgeries, including spine, hip, and extremities procedures. SeaSpine’s spinal implants portfolio consists of an extensive line of products to facilitate spinal fusion in minimally invasive surgery (MIS), complex spine, deformity and degenerative procedures. Expertise in both orthobiologic sciences and spinal implants product development allows SeaSpine to offer its surgeon customers a differentiated portfolio and a complete solution to meet their fusion requirements. SeaSpine currently markets its products in the United States and in over 30 countries worldwide.

Forward-Looking Statements

SeaSpine cautions you that statements included in this news release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements that are based on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to: the design and other benefits of the Ventura NanoMetalene portfolio; its ability to restore better natural alignment to patients; and the ability of the Ventura NanoMetalene product to provide complementary, cost-effective procedural solutions to surgeons, hospitals and patients. Among the factors that could cause or contribute to material differences between the Company’s actual results and the expectations indicated by the forward-looking statements are risks and uncertainties that include, but are not limited to: the ability of the expanded Ventura NanoMetalene portfolio to perform as designed and intended and to meet the clinical needs of surgeons and patients; the limited clinical experience supporting the commercial launch of new products and the risk that such products may require substantial additional development activities, which could introduce unexpected expense and delay; the lack of long-term clinical data supporting the safety and efficacy of the Company’s products; and other risks and uncertainties more fully described in the Company’s news releases and periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are available at www.sec.gov.

You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date when made. SeaSpine does not intend to revise or update any forward-looking statement set forth in this news release to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof, except as may be required by law.

###
Investor Relations Contact
Lynn Pieper
(415) 937-5402
ir@seaspine.com

Additional Strategic Funding for CartiHeal’s Ongoing AGILI-C™ IDE Clinical Study $2.5M boost by Bioventus brings latest investment round to $21M

KFAR SABA, ISRAEL and DURHAM, NC– January 31, 2018 CartiHeal, developer of the proprietary Agili-C implant for the treatment of joint surface lesions in traumatic and osteoarthritic joints, has secured a $2.5M investment from Bioventus, a global leader in orthobiologics – reflecting the growing interest in CartiHeal’s technology.

Bioventus’s $2.5M boost complements CartiHeal’s latest financing round, led by aMoon, together with Johnson & Johnson Innovation (JJDC Inc.), Peregrine Ventures, and Elron, bringing the total round to $21M.

The funding will focus on CartiHeal’s ongoing Agili-C IDE clinical study. Further to the trial’s initiation 3 months ago, over thirty patients were already enrolled, according to enrollment rate forecasts.

CartiHeal CEO, Nir Altschuler: “This investment is a vote of confidence by an important orthobiologic strategic player. Bioventus joins our team of strategic investors who perceived the potential of the Agili-C implant. We are confident that Bioventus will bring substantial added value to CartiHeal.”

“Agili-C shows great promise to relieve osteoarthritis pain for a large patient population and we look forward following the pivotal trial to a successful culmination,” said Tony Bihl, CEO, Bioventus.

About CartiHeal

CartiHeal, a privately-held medical device company with headquarters in Israel, develops proprietary implants for the treatment of cartilage and osteochondral defects in traumatic and osteoarthritic joints.

About the Agili-C™ implant IDE multinational pivotal study

The Agili-C™ IDE study is set to include a minimum of 250 patients in US and OUS centers, aiming for a PMA submission. The trial’s objective is to demonstrate the superiority of the Agili-C™ implant over the surgical standard of care (microfracture and debridement) for the treatment of cartilage or osteochondral defects, in both osteoarthritic knees and knees without degenerative changes.

About Bioventus

Bioventus is an orthobiologics company that delivers clinically proven, cost-effective products that help people heal quickly and safely. Its mission is to make a difference by helping patients resume and enjoy active lives. Orthobiologic products from Bioventus include offerings for bone healing, bone graft and knee osteoarthritis. Built on a commitment to high quality standards, evidence-based medicine and strong ethical behavior, Bioventus is a trusted partner for physicians worldwide. For more information, visit www.BioventusGlobal.com and follow the company on Twitter @Bioventusglobal.

Bioventus and the Bioventus logo are registered trademarks of Bioventus, LLC.

For Bioventus Contact: Thomas Hill, 919-474-6715, thomashill@bioventusglobal.com

For CartiHeal Contact: info@cartiheal.com