Screws that fit the body’s notches

Complex bone fractures are often set with titanium or steel screws and plates. However, if these remain in the body for some time, they can cause health problems. A new bioceramic screw nail has the capacity of replacing the currently used metal components. It can be easily introduced into bone and does not have to be removed. Fraunhofer researchers are presenting the screw nail from November 14-17 at the MEDICA trade fair in Düsseldorf.

The beginning of the ski season is always a hectic period for alpine emergency wards. After treatment, some patients end up with metal components in their bodies, as complex bone fractures are usually set with titanium or steel screws and plates. These must be surgically removed later, at considerable expense and discomfort to the patient. If the screws remain in the body, they can trigger inflammation or allergies in sensitive patients. However, these complaints could soon become history, as researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM have partnered with the university hospitals of Giessen-Marburg and Bonn and the University of Bremen to develop a bioceramic implant screw nail. The new biomedical component, dubbed a “scrail,” is made of calcium phosphate, which greatly resembles the composition of bone material.

Reduced risk of injury to tendons and bones

The project was supported by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research with a million-euro grant. According to Dr. Sebastian Hein from Fraunhofer IFAM, important project tasks included designing the screw nail according to ceramic requirements and hardening it. In contrast to previous medical screws made from titanium or polymer, the new screw nail will not be screwed into the bone, but rather carefully hammered in. For this reason, researchers have developed a specially shaped thread for the screw nail that allows it to be implemented with a minimum of rotations and reduces the risk of damage to tendons and bones.

In contrast to metal components, the ceramic screw nail integrates into the bone and does not have to be removed, since the two most used bioceramic materials — calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite — are very similar to bone material. This is a distinct advantage over polymer screws, which disintegrate in the body. Degradation products from polymer screws can cause inflammation. Additionally, after the disintegration of the screws, cavities can form in bones, rendering them unstable and more prone to breaking. Ceramic-based screw nails do not disintegrate, but instead bond with the bone. Ideally, they can even accelerate bone growth, says Hein.

Patient-specific implants

The greatest challenge for the development team at Fraunhofer IFAM and Bremen University was attaining the maximum strength of the material, since ceramics are fairly breakable. With the help of injection molding technology, researchers pour hydroxyapatite powder into screw nail molds and heat them. Using the right process para-meters delivers components with optimized stability. The procedure is particularly suited to mass production, as it is inexpensive and allows for flexible mold design. However, hydroxyapatite powder can also be used in conjunction with 3D printers, thus enabling the production of patient-specific implants.

Hein anticipates that the screw nail will soon be ready to use in operations, as calcium phosphate has already been tested for biocompatibility and has been in use as a material in medical applications for several years. Furthermore, medical tests in sheep have shown that the screw nail could be inserted much more quickly and precisely than standard screws, which was “an effect totally unexpected from our side,” says Hein. As a result, the operation time is shortened and the patient is under anesthetic for less time.


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Novastep Launches biofit™ Allograft Bone Wedge System

Orangeburg, New York, Nov. 07, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Novastep, Inc., and its affiliates (“Novastep” or the “Company”), a global medical technologies company specializing in the foot and ankle, today announced the release of their biofit™ Wedge System, which consists of a variety of size-specific, pre-shaped allograft bone wedges for both Evans and Cotton osteotomies and a dedicated trials instrumentation module.  The trials are designed to provide a method of assessing osteotomy spaces to assist in the selection of appropriate biofit™ allograft wedge implants.

Osteotomies are procedures in which bone is cut and then re-aligned, often with bone graft placed as a wedge to secure the new position. The Cotton osteotomy involves the medial cuneiform and is used to correct rotational deformities of the forefoot. The Evans osteotomy is a lengthening procedure for the calcaneus (heel bone), used most commonly for treating flatfeet. The company’s newly released biofit™ Wedge System allows for more efficient procedures by eliminating some of the measuring and shaping of the graft material that are frequently required. The biofit™ wedge implants are aseptically processed from human cancellous bone by means of the bioSTART® Tissue Process to provide an osteoconductive scaffolding matrix that permits bony in-growth.  The allografts are stored at ambient temperatures with a five-year shelf-life.

“The biofit™ Wedge System instrument trials and allograft implants are engineered specifically for Evans and Cotton osteotomy surgeries, permitting decreased O.R. time and eliminating significant harvest site morbidity and other possible complications that may result from autograft specimen removal at the donor site” said Wayne A. Hurst, DPM, FACFAS, owner and founder Foot Specialists of Cedar Park & Georgetown in Austin, Texas. Hurst added that “Choosing the correct size is greatly simplified because each implant has a corresponding trial that may be used prior to actual insertion of the implant at the osteotomy site.”  The trials are arranged in a compactly organized, ergonomically designed module.

Nick Zelensky, Novastep’s Vice President of Marketing further commented that “The biofit™ instrument module is fully compatible with all Novastep cleanSTART® instrumentation trays and may be easily interchanged with other instrument modules or added to them within the trays.”  The cleanSTART® trays feature intuitive layouts, interchangeable modules, light weight construction and space saving designs that eliminate the need for multiple, bulky containers.

The biofit™ Wedge System, and other key elements of Novastep’s portfolio will be featured at the upcoming 2016 Global Foot and Ankle Symposium in New York City on December 2 – 3, 2016.

About Novastep

Novastep is a global medical device company specializing in the design, development and commercialization of advanced technologies that treat conditions affecting the foot and ankle. The Company is focused on optimizing clinical efficiencies, inventory management and healthcare economics by transforming the way foot and ankle products are deployed and utilized in the surgical environment. Novastep has allied itself with a strategic network of key international opinion leaders to deliver breakthrough technologies, innovative services and compelling medical education programs to the foot and ankle community. Novastep’s portfolio, services and distribution platforms are uniquely positioned to address foot and ankle trauma, deformity corrections and Charcot fracture management.

For further information concerning this announcement and/or Novastep, Inc., send all inquiries to info@novasteportho.com or call 877.287.0795.

Osteoarthritis: New blood test detects early stages, study finds

There is currently no blood test for early-stage osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage that eases and cushions movement breaks down, causing pain, swelling, and problems moving the joint. Now, researchers at Warwick University in the United Kingdom have developed a blood test that can provide an early diagnosis of osteoarthritis and distinguish it from rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases.

The researchers, led by Dr. Naila Rabbani of Warwick Medical School, report how they developed the new blood test in the journal Arthritis Research & Therapy.

The test could be available within 2 years, say the researchers. The earlier that arthritis is diagnosed – before physical and irreversible symptoms set in – the better the chances that treatment can focus on how to The researchers, led by Dr. Naila Rabbani of Warwick Medical School, report how they developed the prevent the problem, for instance with lifestyle changes.

The new blood test looks for chemical signatures in fragments of joint proteins (amino acids) that have been damaged, as Dr. Rabbani explains:

The combination of changes in oxidized, nitrated and sugar-modified amino acids in blood enabled early stage detection and classification of arthritis – osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or other self-resolving inflammatory joint disease.”

Dr. Rabbani notes that scientists have known for a while that proteins in the arthritic joint get damaged, but this is the first time they have looked at them from the point of view of early disease diagnosis.

“For the first time we measured small fragments from damaged proteins that leak from the joint into blood,” she adds.

 

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In’Tech Medical’s Wayvio line of intelligent surgical instruments for orthopedics

November 1, 2016

Memphis, Tennessee – In’Tech Medical SAS, a world leader in contract manufacturing of surgical instruments in orthopedics, announced the launch of its new Wayvio platform, dedicated to enhancing standalone surgical instruments with smart communication tools.

“With the launch of Wayvio, In’Tech Medical continues to drive innovation and set new standards in the world of Orthopedics,” says Laurent Pruvost, president. He adds “The Wayvio technology strikes a new balance between manufacturing excellence and electronics, enabling OEMs and medical staff to achieve more than what they ever thought possible with a surgical instrument. It is fulfilling for the In’Tech Medical team across the world – U.S., Europe, and Asia, to bring to market a technological platform that will help our customers as well as hospitals and surgery centers optimize their logistics while keeping in tune with their instruments & trays.”

The Wayvio technology can be retrofitted and integrated into almost any instrument, instantaneously turning it into a powerful wireless device. Transparent for the surgeon or medical staff, instruments bearing the Wayvio technology will seamlessly store and communicate key parameters, such as number of sterilizations, helping with data exchange between OEMs, medical staff, and sales reps.

“By facilitating traceability, and increasing accountability as well as efficiency, the Wayvio technology decreases the collateral risks associated with any instrument’s life-cycle,” said Patrick Khalife, R&D director. “The Wayvio on board electronics are self-triggered throughout the instrument’s life-cycle with no human interaction. Specific data points, such as number of sterilization or amount of torque “clicks” are collected and can wirelessly be accessed through an intuitive Android-based NFC reader. It truly is a game changer.”

Wayvio allows OEMs, hospitals and all actors in supply chain to stay in tune with their surgical instruments. By accessing its core, they can monitor at any time occurrences such as:

  • Frequency of OR (ie. operation room) exposure
  • Recurrence of surgical use (ie. impaction, torque limiting “click,” etc.)
  • History of inadvertent events such as accidental dropping of instruments or tray, and out of range impaction or strains

As an adaptable platform, Wayvio’s applications are virtually limitless with possibility to geotag last known connection of a device or adding notes post-operative comments.

About In’Tech Medical
Founded in France in 2000, In’Tech Medical is a global leader in orthopedic contract-manufacturing. With the company’s recent expansion in USA and Malaysia, In’Tech Medical is now the world’s largest provider of surgical instruments to the Spine Industry. Powered by a diverse product portfolio, an ability to find solutions to complex engineering challenges, and over 500 employees globally, In’Tech Medical is ideally positioned for sustainable growth and personalized customer care.

In’Tech Medical is also home to The Prototype Garage – prototype dedicated cells located both in Europe & the US, with the intent of serving industry with production-equivalent prototypes in a rapid-delivery setting.

Source: www.intech-medical.com

Nextremity Solutions, Inc. Announces New Strategic Direction for Company Following Zimmer Biomet Announcement

WARSAW, IND., Oct. 31, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nextremity Solutions, Inc., a musculoskeletal product development company located in “The Orthopedic Capital of the World” Warsaw, IN, recently finalized an exclusive global distribution agreement with Zimmer Biomet for its first four commercialized products, which address unmet clinical needs in forefoot elective surgery.

“Bringing this agreement to closure validates the strategy that our Executive Management Team put into motion at the beginning of the year with the support of our Board of Directors. This strategic shift in our business strategy enables us to focus our efforts on product development and micro-commercialization of innovative technologies in musculoskeletal healthcare,” stated Rod K. Mayer, President and CEO of Nextremity Solutions, Inc.

i3TM Strategic Solutions is Nextremity Solutions’ new strategy to deliver value for Nextremity shareholders and for their industry partners.  Through the i3 Strategic Solutions strategy, Nextremity will continue to work with surgeons who are thought leaders in their respective fields to develop and commercialize innovative solutions, at present to the foot and ankle market.  In addition to delivering innovative products, Nextremity Solutions, Inc. is committed to establishing effective packaging and delivery systems, creating effective marketing and educational support materials, and providing products with proven sales and clinical efficacy to their industry partners.

“Nextremity Solutions, Inc. has learned a lot over the last 4 years, and we’re taking the best of what we do and doing more of it, more profitably, every day.  We’re passionate about serving surgeons, patients, and our industry partners.  This has led us to the introduction of i3 Strategic Solutions and we couldn’t be more excited about our future,” stated Ryan D. Schlotterback, Executive Director, Product Development for Nextremity Solutions, Inc.

“It’s what we call our “micro-commercialization” model and is what makes our solutions very different – and more effective,” commented Schlotterback.

Schlotterback further stated, “i3 Strategic Solutions embodies our vision for Nextremity Solutions and is the right model for our future.  We are committed to our micro-commercialization strategy and believe that we have the opportunity to deliver solutions to the market in a way that truly leverages our strengths and the strengths of our industry partners, while creating the greatest level of value for everyone involved.  We have a very strong internal pipeline and have several external opportunities that we’ve been presented with over the last 6 months that we plan to support with our new model.”

To learn more about i3 Strategic Solutions, visit www.i3strategicsolutions.com.

If you’re a surgeon inventor or have a product idea that you think would be a good fit for Nextremity Solutions, Inc., they can be contacted at 732-383-7901.
 
About Nextremity Solutions, Inc.

Nextremity Solutions, Inc. is a privately held musculoskeletal product development company offering innovative solutions and approaches to unmet clinical needs in the mind of surgeons and for the benefit of patients worldwide.

For further information, visit www.nextremitysolutions.com or call Dave Temple, Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications at 574-635-3022.

Dave Temple
Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications
574-635-3022

DePuy Synthes announces availability of ‘Expert Tibial Nail PROtect’ to reduce implant related infections

October 31, 2016

DePuy Synthes, part of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, today announced the availability of Expert Tibial Nail PROtect, the only tibial nail with a resorbable antibiotic coating designed to provide additional protection from bacterial colonization for patients who are at high risk of infection. Infection following fracture fixation is recognised as an increasingly important clinical problem, and can result in prolonged treatment, impaired fracture healing and in some cases, for example people with diabetes, may result in limb amputation.

Designed in collaboration with leading AO surgeons, Expert Tibial Nail PROtect addresses a growing clinical demand to reduce the incidence of implant related infections. Infection can occur in up to 14.4% of all open tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nailing (without an antibacterial coating). Open tibial shaft fractures are often associated with a high incidence of complications, due to the precarious blood supply to the tibia, the high risk of infection and the necessity of rapid surgical intervention.

“Infection following fracture fixation is one of the most severe problems we face in daily practice, with potentially devastating consequences for the patient,” said Prof. Dr. med Michael Raschke, Clinical Director, University of Muenster, Germany. “A biofilm can form on an implant within 12–18 hours post-surgery which may trigger an infection.”

“Expert Tibial Nail PROtect provides me with an additional tool to help reduce infection rates and benefit my patients’ outcomes,” concluded Prof. Dr. med. Gerhard Schmidmaier, Head of Trauma Department, Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany.

Adding locally administered antibiotics to general prophylactic antibiotics has been shown to reduce the infection rate for patients with severe fractures from 14.4% to 2.4%. Expert Tibial Nail PROtect offers a treatment option developed to deliver targeted protection and prevent a bacterial biofilm forming on the implant thus decreasing the risk of infection.

“By adding the PROtect coating to the existing Expert Tibial Nail, we are providing surgeons with the technology to address their highest risk trauma patients,” said Elmar Zurbriggen, DePuy Synthes Franchise Lead for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “By preventing bacterial colonization on the implant surface, we hope that patients will experience an improved recovery process while reducing the need for additional treatment costs for healthcare providers.”

The Expert Tibial Nail’s use in tibia fracture repair, demonstrates improved patient outcomes, which is why it was selected for application of the PROtect antibiotic coating. The design of Expert Tibial Nail itself has been shown to reduce operating time, hospital stay, full weight bearing time and union time.

Clinical experience has provided evidence to support the benefits of using Expert Tibial Nail PROtect. It demonstrates the performance and safety of the PROtect coating with intramedullary nails. Studies have reported no deep infections, and treatment costs for patients with an infection following a tibia fracture were shown to be up to 3.5 times higher compared to those for patients with no infection. These are attributed to the additional surgery required to manage the infection (e.g. implant removal, bone grafting, amputation) and the prolonged hospital stay as well as readmissions and treatment in the intensive care unit for patients with an infection.

Source:

http://www.depuysynthes.com/

 

aap: LOQTEQ® VA Distal Radius System has clinically proven and receives high level of market acceptance

Press Release dated October 18, 2016

The evaluation following the market launch one year ago shows that the LOQTEQ® VA Distal Radius System 2.5 from aap Implantate AG (“aap”) has clinically proven and enjoys a high level of market acceptance. Both the implant and the related instruments meet with a positive response by users and customers. The LOQTEQ® VA Distal Radius System 2.5 is the first product in the LOQTEQ® VA (VA = Variable Angle) product family, which are polyaxial implants that facilitate inserting angle-stable screws at different angles. Polyaxial implants are required for treating areas such as the hand that in surgery require both angle stability and flexibility in the insertion of screws.

The LOQTEQ® VA Distal Radius System 2.5 was developed for the treatment of fractures of the distal radius (radius close to the wrist) and the distal ulna (ulna close to the wrist). Radius fractures account for about a quarter of all fractures. To meet patients’ growing demands, a fast, mobilization-stable treatment with a permanent retention of the repositioning result is required. The special combination of anatomically preformed and small, angle-stable plates in conjunction with freely selectable screw angles and user-friendly instruments fulfils all the requirements of modern fracture management.

After already granted FDA approval the polyaxial radius system has been in use in the USA since this year as well and receives an especially high acceptance there. A sterilizing and a sieve system were developed specially for the U.S. market. Overall the wide range of plates in a compact set and specially developed instruments such as the screwdriver, co-designed by users, meet with a positive response. As radius fractures belong to the most frequent fractures the system is a sales driver. aap will shortly be launching further polyaxial variants of different LOQTEQ® products for various anatomical areas in the market.

This release contains forward-looking statements based on current experience, estimates and projections of the management board and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of aap to be materially different from those that may be expressed or implied by such statements. These factors include those discussed in aap‘s public reports. Forward-looking statements therefore speak only as of the date they are made. aap does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this release or to conform them to future events or developments

For further information, please contact:

aap Implantate AG
Lorenzweg 5
12099 Berlin

Fabian Franke
Manager Investor Relations
Tel.: +49 (0)30 / 750 19 134
Fax: +49 (0)30 / 750 19 290
Contact

aap: Market launch of innovative periprosthetic LOQTEQ® system

October 14, 2016

aap Implantate AG (“aap”) announces the market launch of its innovative periprosthetic LOQTEQ® system with the distal lateral femur plate 4.5 PP (periprosthetic). The system is based on a new patent pending fixation technology and enables the treatment of bone fractures in the immediate vicinity of joint implants already existing in the body. Thereby the periprosthetic LOQTEQ® system addresses one of the most demanding procedures in orthopaedics. The distal lateral femur plate 4.5 PP has a CE mark.

Implantations of artificial hip and knee joints are among the most frequent procedures in Germany. With such implantations bone fractures can occur in the immediate vicinity of the treated site during the life of the used joint implants. Treating such fractures poses a particular challenge in orthopaedics because the screws for the bone plates must be fixed around the joint implant. This is where aap’s periprosthetic LOQTEQ® system becomes effective with its innovative fixation technology.

The core of the new technology are special LOQTEQ® hinges that can be fixed to the plate both distally and proximally. They remain flexible within a 45° angle range and are anchored in the bone at a variable angle (±15°) by angle-stable 3.5 mm screws. In this way the fixation can be adapted for a wide range of bone diameters and the plates can be securely fixed past a prosthesis or a nail, especially in an osteoporotic bone. The hinges ensure that the surgeon has maximum flexibility in planning and carrying out the operational stabilisation by means of optional use at the proximal and distal end of the plate. aap’s offering in this area is complemented by cerclage trays for cable or wire cerclages.

In recent months the periprosthetic LOQTEQ® system has proven its worth in clinical initial applications in respect of user friendliness and flexibility. In the future, aap plans to extend the periprosthetic fixation technology to other relevant plates in the LOQTEQ® portfolio for different anatomical regions.

This release contains forward-looking statements based on current experience, estimates and projections of the management board and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of aap to be materially different from those that may be expressed or implied by such statements. These factors include those discussed in aap’s public reports. Forward-looking statements therefore speak only as of the date they are made. aap does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained in this release or to conform them to future events or developments

For further information, please contact:

aap Implantate AG
Lorenzweg 5
12099 Berlin

Fabian Franke
Manager Investor Relations
Tel.: +49 (0)30 / 750 19 134
Fax: +49 (0)30 / 750 19 290
Contact

 

Exactech Breaks Ground in Foot and Ankle Market with Successful First Surgery

October 13, 2016

GAINESVILLE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Exactech, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXAC), a developer and producer of bone and joint restoration products for extremities, hip, knee, and spine, announced today a successful first surgery using its new Vantage® Total Ankle System, the newest addition to the Exactech extremities product line and its first product in the foot and ankle market.

Orthopaedic surgeons Mark Easley, MD, and James Nunley, MD, of Duke University, performed the first case with the ankle implant in Durham, N.C. “The surgical team and I were pleased that the Vantage Total Ankle replacement went exactly according to plan,” Easley said. “After several years of thoughtful development and design, the anatomic implants, practical instrumentation and relatively simple technique performed as they were designed. Based on proprietary anatomic data, the Exactech Vantage Total Ankle team of surgeons and engineers developed an innovative total ankle design that features both anatomic talar and tibial components.”

Easley also added, “The technique, with its favorable tibial and talar bone preparation which was clearly designed with minimal bone resection in mind, affords optimal support for the anatomically shaped implants. The Vantage Total Ankle has a reproducible and surgeon-friendly technique.”

Exactech Vice President of Extremities Marketing Darin Johnson said, “We had the privilege to design this product with some of the best thought leaders in the world who have dedicated their careers to the treatment of the ankle. Our team is proud to be a part of successfully improving the surgical outcome for one patient and laying the foundation for many, many more in the years to come. This marks a strategic expansion into the foot and ankle market where we will leverage Exactech’s founding principle of solving clinical challenges in collaboration with surgeons in order to improve the lives of patients. It is an exciting time.”

This ankle system represents years of collaboration among Exactech and a design team of esteemed surgeons including: James Nunley, MD; James DeOrio, MD; and Mark Easley, MD, of Duke University in Durham, N.C.; and Victor Valderrabano, MD, PhD, of Swiss Ortho Center of Schmerzklinik Basel in Basel, Switzerland.

Full market availability of the Vantage Total Ankle System in the United States is planned for 2017.

About Exactech

Based in Gainesville, Fla., Exactech develops and markets orthopaedic implant devices, related surgical instruments and biologic materials and services to hospitals and physicians. The company manufactures many of its orthopaedic devices at its Gainesville facility. Exactech’s orthopaedic products are used in the restoration of bones and joints that have deteriorated as a result of injury or diseases such as arthritis. Exactech markets its products in the United States, in addition to more than 30 markets in Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. Additional information about Exactech can be found at http://www.exac.com.

An investment profile on Exactech may be found at http://www.hawkassociates.com/profile/exac.cfm. To receive future releases in e-mail alerts, sign up at http://www.hawkassociates.com/about/alert.

This release contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which represent the company’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events of the company’s financial performance. These forward-looking statements are further qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include the effect of competitive pricing, the company’s dependence on the ability of third party manufacturers to produce components on a basis which is cost-effective to the company, market acceptance of the company’s products and the effects of government regulation. Results actually achieved may differ materially from expected results included in these statements.

Contacts

Exactech, Inc.
Investor contacts
Jody Phillips, 352-377-1140
Executive Vice President of Finance & Chief Financial Officer
or
Hawk Associates
Julie Marshall or Frank Hawkins, 305-451-1888
EXAC@hawkassociates.com
or
Media contact
Priscilla Bennett, 352-377-1140
Vice President, Corporate & Marketing Communication

Winning 3D printing startup rings the NASDAQ bell

October 10, 2016 – by

TriFusion Devices, winners of the Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC) and manufacturers of custom 3D printed prosthetic devices, rang the NASDAQ opening bell earlier today.

This morning in New York, Blake Teipel, TriFusion Devices’ CEO, joined Brad Burke from the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship to announce the opening of the tech focused stock exchange for the first day of the week. Commenting on the event the CEO said, “We are grateful for the support, guidance, and encouragement that we’ve received from the Texas A&M University and Rice University programs. The experience and coaching we have received as we’ve launched our venture have proven immensely valuable to our success.”

Texas based TriFusion Devices beat 41 rival companies to take the RBPC prize earlier this year in April. The young company aims to revolutionize “the health care and sports-equipment industries in powerful and profitable ways” by using 3D printing to create tailored solutions for “amputees and prosthetists”.

The Super Bowl of Business Plan Competitions

In the U.S. alone, approximately two million people manage with the loss of a limb: a group currently growing at a rate of 185,000 each year.

TriFusion Devices emerged as the 2016 RBPC winner after review by 275 judges and was awarded prizes and cash valued at approximately $400,000. The total prize pool for this year’s competition was reported at over $1.7 million.

 

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