1st Private Payor Positive Coverage Policy For A Novel & Proven Treatment For Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

NEW YORKSept. 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Paradigm Spine, LLC, a leader in providing solutions for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, announces issuance of a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Medical Policy, entitled “Interspinous/Interlaminar Stabilization/Distraction Devices (Spacers)” dated September 1, 2017.  The coverage policy may be found here https://www.bcbsm.com/mprApp/MedicalPolicyDocument?fileId=2112720.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (“LSS”), affecting 1.6 million patients annually, is a debilitating and degenerative disease in older patients (>50 yrs) often associated with significant leg and back pain, leg numbness and weakness, causing a significant reduction in an active lifestyle.  Traditional surgical treatment options for LSS includes a decompression that removes bone and soft tissue and may also require a fusion to stabilize the spine.  The coflex® device is a non-fusion, motion preserving stabilization implant, that is FDA PMA approved for the treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, and can be used in conjunction with a decompression or used in lieu of a spinal fusion.

To learn more about coflex® Interlaminar Stabilization®, please visit www.coflexsolution.com.

Matthew Songer MD, MBA, Assistant Professor College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University – “Over the last four years, I’ve treated 80 patients with coflex®.  In comparison to fusion, coflex® is less-invasive, requires a short hospital stay, allows for a much quicker recovery with return-to-work time in as little as two weeks.  In comparison to decompression-alone, coflex® adds durability to already good outcomes, while maintaining the fast recovery.  I’m delighted insurance coverage will now be available to more of my patients.”

Marc Viscogliosi, Chairman & CEO – “With over 85 peer-review published articles, including landmark 5 year follow-up studies, medical society guidelines, and now with commercial insurance coverage, it is wonderful to be able to expand patient access to the coflex® technology.”

About Paradigm Spine, LLC
Paradigm Spine, LLC was founded in 2004 and remains focused on the design and development of solutions for the disease management of spinal stenosis.  The Company’s signature product is the coflex® Interlaminar Stabilization®device, which has more than 20 years of clinical history and patients treated in more than 40 countries worldwide.

 

SOURCE Paradigm Spine, LLC

PRNewsfoto/Paradigm Spine, LLC)…

Implanet Strengthens JAZZ Intellectual Property Portfolio

September 26, 2017

BORDEAUX, France & BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Regulatory News:

IMPLANET (Paris:IMPL) (OTCQX:IMPZY) (Euronext Growth: ALIMP, FR0010458729, PEA-PME eligible), a medical technology company specializing in vertebral and knee-surgery implants, today announces that the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted two new patents for the JAZZ™ platform.

These two new patents further strengthen the portfolio of 22 patents covering all the aspects of the JAZZ™ platform. It is the result of an extremely proactive and rigorous policy that is one of the strategic keys to commercial development and value creation.

Régis Le Couedic, Implanet’s Product Development & Manufacturing Director, says: “These two new U.S. patents expand our protection on this highly competitive market. Intellectual Property is essential to Implanet’s formula, we meticulously manage our portfolio. Clinical results support the fact that we possess the band market’s most advanced implants and instrumentation. We will continue to expand the scope of protection covering our JAZZ™ platform and future innovations.

Ludovic Lastennet, CEO of Implanet, adds: “Obtaining these patents is an integral part of our value-creation strategy, we aim to put solid barriers in place in an addressable spine market estimated at $2.1 billion. The systematic growth of our IP protection enables us to reinforce our current commercial partnerships and look towards future strategic alliances.

Next financial press release: revenue for the 3rd quarter of 2017, on October 10, 2017, before market opens.

About IMPLANET

Founded in 2007, IMPLANET is a medical technology company that manufactures high-quality implants for orthopedic surgery. Its flagship product, the JAZZ™ latest-generation implant, aims to treat spinal pathologies requiring vertebral fusion surgery. Protected by four families of international patents, JAZZ™ has obtained 510(k) regulatory clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and the CE mark. IMPLANET employs 48 staff and recorded 2016 sales of €7.8 million. For further information, please visit www.implanet.com. Based near Bordeaux in France, IMPLANET established a US subsidiary in Boston in 2013. IMPLANET is listed on Euronext™ Growth market in Paris.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Implanet and its activities. Such forward looking statements are based on assumptions that Implanet considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the anticipated events contained in such forward-looking statements will occur. Forward- looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties including the risks set forth in the registration document of Implanet registered by the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF)) on April 26, 2016 under number R.16-035 and available on the Company’s website (www.implanet-invest.com), and to the development of economic situation, financial markets, and the markets in which Implanet operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are also subject to risks unknown to Implanet or that Implanet does not consider material at this time. The realization of all or part of these risks could lead to actual results, financial conditions, performances or achievements by Implanet that differ significantly from the results, financial conditions, performances or achievements expressed in such forward-looking statements. This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or to subscribe for, or a solicitation of an order to purchase or subscribe for Implanet shares in any country.

Contacts

IMPLANET
Ludovic Lastennet
CEO
Tel. : +33 (0)5 57 99 55 55
investors@implanet.com
or
NewCap
Investor Relations
Florent Alba
Tel. : +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94
implanet@newcap.eu
or
NewCap
Media Relations
Nicolas Merigeau
Tel. : +33 (0)1 44 71 94 98
implanet@newcap.eu
or
AlphaBronze
US-Investor Relations
Pascal Nigen
Tel.: +1 917 385 21 60
implanet@alphabronze.net

Kuros Biosciences Reports Financial Results for First Half-Year of 2017

26 Sep 17

Kuros, an orthobiologic company with several commercial-stage products, today announced the financial figures for the first six months of 2017. The Company reported significantly lower net operating costs of CHF 7.5 million and a substantial reduction of net loss of CHF 7.0 million (first half-year 2016: CHF 13.3 million) mainly due to the absence of non-recurring, non-cash charges. Cash reserves by mid-year 2017 amounted to CHF 21.4 million.

Summary of progress since the beginning of the year:

•   All-share strategic acquisition of Xpand accelerates Kuros’ transition to commercial stage and provides an EU hub for future distribution, pre-clinical and manufacturing operations.

•   Newly appointed CEO Dr. Ivan Cohen-Tanugi prepares Kuros for late-stage clinical development of Fibrin-PTH candidates and for product launches and commercialization in the United States of America and the European Economic Area.

•   MagnetOs received clearance for commercialization in the Unites States as well as in Europe, while Neuroseal received clearance in Europe.

•   Portfolio extension into new formulations and indications is well underway with MagnetOs Putty receiving market clearance in the United States and filing the product for CE marking in Europe.

•   Successful placement of new shares strengthens Kuros’ equity base to fund future commercial activities and Fibrin-PTH development programs.

Dr. Ivan Cohen-Tanugi, Chief Executive Officer of Kuros, said: “The smooth integration of Xpand represents an important shift towards commercialization resulting in a orthobiologics company with commercial-ready products in the US and the EU.” He continued: “Kuros is focusing on differentiated biologics and devices, which improve patient and surgery outcomes. We strongly believe that our commitment to scientific evidence will differentiate our products and benefit patients and payers once our orthobiologics become available to surgeons next year.“

 

Key figures

in TCHF, IFRS

Six months ended
June 30, 2017

Six months ended
June 30, 2016

Revenue

534

1,055

Research and development

(2,211)

(5,215)

General and administrative

(6,777)

(11,054)

Other income

1,522

1,161

Net operating costs

(7,466)

(15,108)

Key figures (ctd.)
Net financial result

(247)

955

Net loss

(6,970)

(13,255)

Cash reserves

21,417

17,446

Number of employees (FTE)

34

14

 

The Interim Report 2017 can be downloaded at www.kuros.ch/investors/reports-presentations.html.

In an all-share strategic business combination, Kuros acquired Dutch-based Xpand Biotechnology effective January 23, 2017. For accounting purposes Xpand has been identified as the acquiree. The total equity consideration is estimated at CHF 30.6 million, including contingent consideration of CHF 9.4 million. As part of the provisional purchase price allocation, Kuros identified currently marketed products with a preliminary fair value of CHF 7.3 million and in-process research and development with a preliminary fair value of CHF 19.2 million. The provisional purchase price allocation results in a goodwill of CHF 9.9 million.

Higher cash reserves due to capital increase

Funds available for financing the operations of Kuros amounted to CHF 21.4 million as per June 30, 2017. This is CHF 9.0 million higher than on December 31, 2016 (CHF 12.4 million). Cash levels decreased due to cash spent in operations and increased due to the proceeds from the rights offering conducted in June 2017.

The gross cash burn for operating activities, as calculated on the cash flow statement, was CHF 5.10 million during the first six months of 2017 or CHF 0.9 million in average per month, compared to CHF 3.8 million and CHF 0.6 million, respectively, in 2016.

Expenses for CE mark drive net result

Operating expenses decreased to CHF 7.5 million (first half-year 2016: CHF 15.1 million) primarily due to significantly lower non-cash expenses in connection with share-based payments occurred in the first six months of 2017. Expenses for research and development of CHF 2.2 million reflect costs for filing preparations, while expenses for general and administrative of CHF 6.8 million contained costs for personnel (CHF 4.2 million) and, among other expenses, costs associated with the business combination with Xpand. Revenues amounted to CHF 0.5 million (first half-year 2016: CHF 1.1 million) and originated primarily from a milestone payment for the CE mark certification of Neuroseal. Other income was CHF 1.5 million (first half-year 2016: CHF 1.1 million) and included proceeds from sub-lease agreements.

The net financial result was CHF –0.2 million (first half-year 2016: CHF 1.0 million). The net loss as per June 30, 2017 amounts to CHF 7.0 million compared to CHF 13.3 million in the corresponding period in 2016. The primary reason for the substantial decrease of CHF 6.3 million are the substantial one-time, non-recurring, non-cash-relevant charges occurred in conjunction with the business combination of Cytos Biotechnology AG and Kuros Biosurgery Holding AG in the first half-year 2016.

Dr. Ivan Cohen-Tanugi, Chief Executive Officer of Kuros, said: “The smooth integration of Xpand represents an important shift towards commercialization resulting in a orthobiologics company with commercial-ready products in the US and the EU.” He continued: “Kuros is focusing on differentiated biologics and devices, which improve patient and surgery outcomes. We strongly believe that our commitment to scientific evidence will differentiate our products and benefit patients and payers once our orthobiologics become available to surgeons next year.“

 

Key figures

in TCHF, IFRS

Six months ended
June 30, 2017

Six months ended
June 30, 2016

Revenue

534

1,055

Research and development

(2,211)

(5,215)

General and administrative

(6,777)

(11,054)

Other income

1,522

1,161

Net operating costs

(7,466)

(15,108)

Key figures (ctd.)
Net financial result

(247)

955

Net loss

(6,970)

(13,255)

Cash reserves

21,417

17,446

Number of employees (FTE)

34

14

 

The Interim Report 2017 can be downloaded at www.kuros.ch/investors/reports-presentations.html.

In an all-share strategic business combination, Kuros acquired Dutch-based Xpand Biotechnology effective January 23, 2017. For accounting purposes Xpand has been identified as the acquiree. The total equity consideration is estimated at CHF 30.6 million, including contingent consideration of CHF 9.4 million. As part of the provisional purchase price allocation, Kuros identified currently marketed products with a preliminary fair value of CHF 7.3 million and in-process research and development with a preliminary fair value of CHF 19.2 million. The provisional purchase price allocation results in a goodwill of CHF 9.9 million.

Higher cash reserves due to capital increase

Funds available for financing the operations of Kuros amounted to CHF 21.4 million as per June 30, 2017. This is CHF 9.0 million higher than on December 31, 2016 (CHF 12.4 million). Cash levels decreased due to cash spent in operations and increased due to the proceeds from the rights offering conducted in June 2017.

The gross cash burn for operating activities, as calculated on the cash flow statement, was CHF 5.10 million during the first six months of 2017 or CHF 0.9 million in average per month, compared to CHF 3.8 million and CHF 0.6 million, respectively, in 2016.

Expenses for CE mark drive net result

Operating expenses decreased to CHF 7.5 million (first half-year 2016: CHF 15.1 million) primarily due to significantly lower non-cash expenses in connection with share-based payments occurred in the first six months of 2017. Expenses for research and development of CHF 2.2 million reflect costs for filing preparations, while expenses for general and administrative of CHF 6.8 million contained costs for personnel (CHF 4.2 million) and, among other expenses, costs associated with the business combination with Xpand. Revenues amounted to CHF 0.5 million (first half-year 2016: CHF 1.1 million) and originated primarily from a milestone payment for the CE mark certification of Neuroseal. Other income was CHF 1.5 million (first half-year 2016: CHF 1.1 million) and included proceeds from sub-lease agreements.

The net financial result was CHF –0.2 million (first half-year 2016: CHF 1.0 million). The net loss as per June 30, 2017 amounts to CHF 7.0 million compared to CHF 13.3 million in the corresponding period in 2016. The primary reason for the substantial decrease of CHF 6.3 million are the substantial one-time, non-recurring, non-cash-relevant charges occurred in conjunction with the business combination of Cytos Biotechnology AG and Kuros Biosurgery Holding AG in the first half-year 2016.

Status and Outlook

Kuros’ products are advancing according to plan with MagnetOs Putty having received clearance for commercialization in the United States and being filed for CE marking in Europe. The CE certification of the novel sealant Neuroseal in the European Union was obtained in June 2017. In light of the Company moving to commercial stage with MagnetOs and late-stage clinical with Fibrin PTH, Kuros has decided to streamline its organization and to make the position of Chief Technology Officer, currently held by Dr. Jason Schense, redundant. Therefore, the employment relationship with Dr. Schense has been terminated in accordance with the contractual notice period of six months and he ceases to be a member of the Executive Committee. Kuros thanks Jason Schense for his great contribution during these years.

DiscGenics Raises $14 Million in Series B Financing

Medicrea Partners with Orthopaedic Surgeon in World’s First 360-Degree Personalized Spine Surgery

September 26, 2017

LYON, France & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Medicrea Group (Euronext Growth Paris: FR0004178572 – ALMED), pioneering the convergence of healthcare IT and next-generation, outcome-centered device design and manufacturing with UNiD ASI™ technology, announced today the successful completion of a 360-degree spinal surgery using a bespoke combination of patient-specific implants generated by Medicrea’s proprietary UNiD ASI™ system technology.

The complex two-stage operation took place in London at the Wellington Hospital and was performed by Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Taylor, MB, BS, MCh(ortho), FRCS, FRCS(Ed). Dr. Taylor partnered with Medicrea’s UNiD LAB™ team of specialized biomedical engineers to strategically plan the operation and design four custom implants to be precisely manufactured in titanium at the company’s new ultra-modern facilities, all within a tight deadline before surgery. The successful outcome was the result of patient-specific spinal instrumentation being implanted from the front and back to create the first-ever 360-degree personalized spinal surgery.

“The ability to strategically plan and manufacture personalized implants in a controlled iterative process generated by Medicrea’s proprietary UNiD ASI™ system technology was a key element in the success of this operation, helping me to simplify and expedite the procedure. Because the implants are scientifically designed using clinical data, I am confident that this patient will continue to see improvements in their quality of life due to the sophisticated outcome-based technology that UNiD ASI™ injects throughout the process,” stated Dr. Taylor following the operation.

Medicrea’s UNiD ASI™ systems technology was used to create a fully personalized solution for the operation that was adapted to both surgeon and patient requirements. The process began with the Company’s UNiD LAB™ engineers using proprietary planning software to turn Dr. Taylor’s surgical plan into a fully digital simulation using patient imaging. The optimal surgical strategy was then identified by Dr. Taylor who was able to draw on the technology’s Adaptive Spine Intelligence™ to directly answer to his and his patient’s needs. Medicrea’s engineering team took this strategy and translated the digital plans into patient-specific implants, using its proprietary manufacturing techniques to create bespoke spinal rods and interbody devices for the operation.

On the day of the surgery, the implants were already at the hospital, prepared to be placed in two stages. First, Dr. Taylor addressed the patient’s spine through an anterior approach where three custom UNiD™ Cages were inserted between the patient’s lumbar vertebrae to restore the exact height to the spine according to the patient’s unique anatomy. The implants were also perfectly sized to form an exact fit between the patient’s vertebrae, leading to a marked reduction in the operation time required to size and place standard off-the-shelf implants.

In the second stage of the operation, the patient’s spine was approached posteriorly. Here, Dr. Taylor inserted two patient-specific UNiD™ Rods to stabilize the patient’s spine in a predetermined patient-specific alignment. Sagittal alignment of the spine is well known to be directly correlated with the long-term success of a spinal surgery, and as such, matching the rod’s shape with the patient’s unique spinal curvature is a critical component of the surgery and was previously only achieved by manually bending the rod during the operation.

Denys Sournac, President and CEO of Medicrea, stated, “Our partnership with Dr. Taylor in this case demonstrates the power of UNiD ASI™’s system-based approach. We offer true collaboration with surgeons to deliver outcome-based data science that is adapted to surgeon and patient in each spine surgery. The result has been to drive improved outcomes and efficiencies in more than 1,500 UNiD ASI™ cases to date. ”

About Medicrea (www.Medicrea.com)

Through the lens of predictive medicine, Medicrea leads the design, integrated manufacture, and distribution of 30+ FDA approved spinal implant technologies that have been utilized in over 100,000 spinal surgeries to date. By leveraging its proprietary software analysis tools with big data and machine learning technologies and supported by an expansive collection of clinical and scientific data, Medicrea is well-placed to streamline the efficiency of spinal care, reduce procedural complications and limit time spent in the operating room.

Operating in a $10 billion marketplace, Medicrea is a Small and Medium sized Enterprise (SME) with 175 employees worldwide, which includes 50 who are based in the U.S. The Company has an ultra-modern manufacturing facility in Lyon, France housing the development and production of 3D-printed titanium patient-specific implants.

For further information, please visit: Medicrea.com.

Connect with Medicrea:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

Medicrea is listed on
EURONEXT Growth Paris
ISIN: FR 0004178572
Ticker: ALMED

Contacts

Medicrea
Denys Sournac
Founder, Chairman and CEO
dsournac@Medicrea.com
or
Fabrice Kilfiger, +33 (0)4 72 01 87 87
Chief Financial Officer
fkilfiger@Medicrea.com

Stryker’s Serrato Pedicle Screws Implanted by More Than 100 Surgeons in First Month, Prior to Full Commercialization

September 26, 2017

ALLENDALE, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Stryker’s Spine division today announced that Serrato™ Pedicle Screws have been implanted by more than 100 surgeons across the U.S. during the first 30 days since release, prior to full commercialization.

The Serrato Pedicle Screw is the first dual-thread screw with enhanced cutting flutes (serrations) that are designed to reduce work by lowering the insertion torque, and True-tip geometry, which allows for precise insertion and immediate bone engagement. Stryker’s design innovations elevate one of the most basic spinal surgery tools, with the goal of reducing work, increasing speed, and enhancing surgeon efficiency.

“We are very excited by the initial response to Serrato from our early users,” said Bradley Paddock, President of Stryker’s Spine division. “The feedback from surgeons is exceeding expectations.”

“Game-changing screw,” said Roderick Sanden, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Advanced Neurospinal Care and Sutter Roseville Medical Center in Northern California. “I never thought a pedicle screw made that much of a difference until I put in a Serrato screw.”

“The Serrato screw insertion was exactly what I was hoping for,” said Scott Luhmann, M.D., Head of Surgery, Pediatric Orthopaedics at Shriners Hospital for Children in St. Louis. “It allowed for easy initiation of the screw, good tactile feedback, and excellent purchase!”

The Serrato pedicle screw, intended for use in the non-cervical spine as part of the company’s Xia® 3 Spinal System, received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May 2017. Serrato leverages the broad portfolio of the Xia 3 Spinal System, an orthopedic spinal system comprised of a variety of shapes and sizes of screws, blockers, and hooks that affix several different types of rods and connectors to vertebrae or the spinal column for purpose of stabilization. The screws accommodate a variety of rod diameters and materials to suit the patient’s needs—5.5 and 6.0mm diameter rods in commercially pure titanium, titanium alloy, and Vitallium.

Intended Use

The Xia 3 Spinal System is intended for use in the non-cervical spine. When used as an anterior/anterolateral and posterior, non-cervical pedicle and non-pedicle fixation system, the Xia 3 Spinal System is intended to provide additional support during fusion using autograft or allograft in skeletally mature patients in the treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities: degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, trauma, spinal stenosis, curvatures, tumor, pseudarthrosis, and failed previous fusion. For the full Indications for Use, please refer to the Xia 3 Spinal System Instructions for Use.

About Stryker

Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies and, together with its customers, is driven to make healthcare better. The company offers innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes. More information is available at www.stryker.com.

Content ID: TLSER-PR-2_15523

Dr. Luhmann is a paid consultant of Stryker. His statements represent his own opinions based on personal experience and are not necessarily those of Stryker. Individual experiences may vary. A surgeon must always rely on his or her own professional clinical judgment when deciding whether to use a particular product when treating a particular patient. Stryker does not dispense medical advice and recommends that surgeons be trained in the use of any particular product before using it in surgery.

The information presented is intended to demonstrate the breadth of Stryker product offerings. A surgeon must always refer to the package insert, product label and/or instructions for use before using any Stryker product. Products may not be available in all markets because product availability is subject to the regulatory and/or medical practices in individual markets. Please contact your Stryker representative if you have questions about the availability of Stryker products in your area.

Contacts

Sullivan & Associates
Barbara Sullivan, 714-374–6174
bsullivan@sullivanpr.com

Paxeon Reconstruction Proves It Saves Hospitals Significantly Through the Results of a Retrospective Study Performed by Dr. Christian Christensen

Paxeon Reconstruction, a manufacturer of best-in-class orthopedic products including derivative and emerging products, announces that Dr. Christian Christensen has completed a retrospective study that included 147 patients that underwent total hip arthroplasty in an outpatient surgery center.

Total hip arthroplasty has traditionally been performed in hospitals with a 3-5 day hospital stay. More recently, these surgeries have been done in outpatient surgery centers. These surgery centers have allowed higher levels of surgeon control and increased patient satisfaction. Performing traditionally inpatient procedures in an outpatient arena has allowed the opportunity for cost savings that can be shared by patients, surgeons, and surgery center owners. Cost savings are experienced by decreasing the length of facility stay and also by decreasing the material expenses associated with performing total hip arthroplasty.

Dr. Christensen of Lexington, Kentucky has compared the cost of performing total hip arthroplasty with a Paxeon product versus performing the procedure with both a Stryker and a Biomet product. Over a calendar year, these 147 cases were performed with a savings of more than $2,700 per Biomet hip and $1,040 per Stryker hip.

Since Dr. Christensen used the value based Paxeon product, an annual savings of over $400,000 per Biomet hip and over $150,000 per Stryker hip was realized. All hips were uncemented and included a ceramic head and a cross-linked polyethylene.

Kyle Sineath, President of Paxeon Reconstruction said: “We are thankful to Dr. Christensen for bringing to light the fact that our implants can result in massive savings to the healthcare system.”

______

About Paxeon Reconstruction

Paxeon Reconstruction builds best-in-class orthopaedic products, including derivative and emerging products. We collaborate with hospitals, health systems and physicians to create alignment and utilization of value-based solutions combined with efficiency models for today’s changing healthcare environment. Paxeon Reconstruction offer the world’s most comprehensive portfolio of orthopaedic products and services for joint reconstruction. Paxeon Reconstruction has a celebrated clinical history, and has evolved to meet the needs of the changing orthopaedics marketplace. The history that weaves the fabric of the Paxeon Reconstruction is one that is rich with innovation and demonstrates sustained leadership in an ever-changing landscape of patient and professional needs.

 

LifeLink Tissue Bank Announces New Taiwan Distribution Partnership

Tampa, FL – (September 23, 2017) – LifeLink Tissue Bank, a division of LifeLink Foundation, Inc. headquartered in Tampa, FL, announced a new partnership with Taiwan-based HCT Regenerative, in which LifeLink will provide allografts for patients suffering from sports, orthopedic and/or spine injuries.

HCT Regenerative was established in July 2016, and is the first company in Taiwan to focus on processing human tissue to produce regenerative biomaterials for clinical use. LifeLink will procure and provide to HCT certain bone and tissue for HCT’s use in its operations, while both parties will collaborate to assist HCT in the growth and development of its operations.

Jean Davis, President and CEO of LifeLink Foundation, Inc. said, “LifeLink is pleased to work with HCT Regenerative, which will provide tissue for reconstructive procedures to save and heal lives, and increase donation opportunities for donors and their families. This is a great opportunity for LifeLink to make an impact in Taiwan and across Asia.”

James Tsai, Ph.D., HCT cofounder and Managing Director, said, “It is a great honor to partner with LifeLink Foundation.  Together we are dedicated to providing high quality allografts to improve patients’ quality of life in the Asia-Pacific region.”

About LifeLink:

LifeLink Foundation, an independent, non-profit community service organization is dedicated to the recovery and transplantation of organs and tissue.  The Foundation is made up of five divisions:  LifeLink Tissue Bank, which recovers and processes tissue for patients in need, LifeLink of Florida, LifeLink of Georgia, and LifeLink of Puerto Rico, three federally-certified organ procurement organizations; and LifeLink Transplantation Immunology Laboratory, which supports 15 organ-specific transplant programs.  Additionally, the LifeLink Legacy Fund supports the LifeLink Foundation mission through transplant patient assistance, research and programmatic grants to improve organ and tissue donation, and transplantation. Learn more about LifeLink Foundation at www.LifeLinkFoundation.org, or LifeLink Tissue Bank at www.LifeLinkTB.org.

About HCT Regenerative:

HCT Regenerative is devoted to developing advanced human cellular and tissue based products (HCT/Ps) to improve patients’ quality of life.  The company aims to cultivate relationships with American tissue banks as well as hospitals and medical device companies in Taiwan to help achieve the goals.  Additionally, HCT Regenerative will develop and manufacture high quality tissue allografts for surgeons throughout the Taiwanese market to benefit patients in need. For more information visit www.HCTRegenerative.com.

JointPoint, Inc. Signs Exclusive Agreement with DePuy Synthes to Co-Market JointPoint’s Non-Invasive Computer Navigation System for Hip Replacement

BELLEAIR BLUFFS, Fla.Sept. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — JointPoint, Inc., providers of non-invasive computer navigation, preoperative digital templating, case planning, and intra-operative feedback, is announcing that it has signed an exclusive agreement with DePuy Synthes to co-market its proprietary software platform. JointPoint™ integrates easily into the Direct Anterior Approach hip replacement technique.

“With over 1,000 cases completed over the last several months, surgeons are enjoying the benefits of JointPoint’s non-invasive hip navigation,” said Noah Wollowick, President and Co-Founder of JointPoint. “We are excited to solidify this co-marketing agreement with DePuy Synthes, a worldwide leader in orthopaedics, to gain better access to surgeons across the country that want to use our innovative technology.”

JointPoint’s intraoperative software streamlines fluoroscopic use while providing the surgeon significant data on cup position, leg length and offset. Additionally, JointPoint’s OneTrial™ technology incorporates implant specific data that has the potential to reduce trialing during surgery.

“I used to rely on multiple fluoroscopic images and trials to confirm a patient’s leg length and offset,” said Dr. Charles Decook, MD. “With the OneTrial™ technique from JointPoint, I am able to trial and shoot one fluoroscopic image, that is it. It tells me my offset and leg length and I am able to clearly pick the neck and head that works best for that patient.  It has not only made me more efficient but also more accurate. I wouldn’t even think of interpreting a fluoroscopic image now without JointPoint.”

Adding the JointPoint software to a surgeon’s protocol may help reduce leg length discrepancy and complications related to inaccurate cup placement and final implant selection – two of the most important considerations in hip replacement surgery – by providing pre-surgical digital templating and real-time, data-driven surgical decision making in the operating room.

JointPoint’s navigation system minimizes adoption challenges of the anterior approach surgical method for hip replacement by providing cup position, leg length and offset data for a surgeon using as few as 3 radiographic images.

“One of the major benefits of anterior approach hip replacement is the power of intraoperative fluoroscopy and its ability to improve implant positioning, something all surgeons strive for consistently,” said Andrew J. Cooper, M.D., JointPoint’s Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder.  “JointPoint harnesses the potential of fluoroscopy and allows surgeon to meet this goal efficiently with minimal images.”

About JointPoint, Inc.

JointPoint, Inc. develops and markets software-driven medical technology for orthopaedics. The JointPoint™ software solution and OneTrial™ technology is a completely non-invasive navigation system for hip replacement surgery that provides intraoperative data and guides component selection while also optimizing efficiency within a surgical workflow. For more information, visit http://www.jointpoint.com

SOURCE JointPoint, Inc.

Warding Off Decline, Hospitals Invest in Outpatient Clinics

By Melanie Evans/

Some of the hospital industry’s most active investing these days is happening outside the hospital.

Giant U.S. hospital operators, including Tenet Healthcare Corp., Dignity Health and HCA Healthcare Inc., are investing heavily in surgery centers, emergency rooms and urgent care clinics located outside hospitals, chasing after patients who increasingly want cheaper and more convenient care.

Insurers and employers that pay for health care are helping drive the change as they shift more Americans to high-deductible insurance plans, which require patients to pay more of their medical bills before insurance kicks in. That has pushed more patients to seek lower-cost options, says RBC Capital Markets managing director Frank Morgan, a hospital analyst.

Hospital demand slumped during the last recession, a trend that has continued even as the economy recovers, American Hospital Association data through 2014 show. Admissions growth at HCA hospitals has slowed in recent quarters to 1% to 2%, as a boost from the Affordable Care Act faded, while Tenet’s admissions have been flat or down 1% to 3% most quarters since late 2015.

In an effort to strengthen their hold on their markets and prevent rivals from siphoning off patients, hospitals are investing outside their own walls. They are “following the patient,” Mr. Morgan said.

The strategy also places hospital satellites closer to where patients live and work, which executives say they hope will win over new, loyal customers.

In July, Ashley Hammack rushed to a new free-standing ER in Spring Hill, Tenn., after growing weak from vomiting. The facility, a satellite of TriStar Centennial Medical Center, is a 10 minute drive from her home, about 20 minutes closer than the hospital where she delivered her daughter five months before.

Doctors saw her quickly. “I never even sat down,” Ms. Hammack recalled. She was treated for severe dehydration from what doctors suspected was food poisoning and sent home with medication.

Trevor Fetter, Tenet’s outgoing chief executive, says company executives have pursued rapid outpatient expansion partially out of necessity. Slumping admissions contributed to Tenet and HCA lowering their earnings estimates for 2017, which in turn hit stock prices.

It’s unclear how the shift to out-of-hospital care will affect long-term earnings. Non-hospital operations typically generate lower revenue than hospitals but produce higher profit and require less capital to build and run.

But “it’s happening anyway,” Mr. Fetter said. “Somebody else is going to do it to us if we don’t do it ourselves.”

 

READ THE REST HERE