So far this year, medtech companies and academic institutions are making key strides in spine biologics.
From new product launches to research breakthroughs, here are the biggest developments to know:
1. Evanston, Ill.-based Northwestern University scientists have created the most advanced human spinal cord injury organoid model to date, enabling researchers to test regenerative therapies in lab-grown tissue. The team used spinal cord organoids to replicate key effects of spinal cord injury, including cell death, inflammation and glial scarring, and tested a regenerative therapy known as “dancing molecules.” The treatment promoted neurite outgrowth and reduced glial scar tissue in injured organoids, mirroring previous results in animal model. The findings validate the therapy’s potential for human application.
2. Orthofix introduced its Biologics Surgeon Advisory Board which includes seven spine surgeons. The group includes experts in orthopedic spine and spinal neurosurgery, and they were chosen based on their clinical experience, leadership in the spine community and recognition of the importance of biologics in spinal fusions. The group will support Orthofix’s scientific foundation and provide insights to support the biologics portfolio.
3. Medtronic’s Infuse bone graft earned the FDA’s premarket approval for one- and two-level transforaminal lumbar interbody spinal fusions. The expanded approval allows use with PEEK and titanium interbody cages. Infuse is now the only PMA-approved growth factor bone graft for ALIF, OLIF and TLIF.
4. Vivex Biologics’ VIA Form+ cryopreserved viable bone allograft saw 100% radiograhpic fusion success within six months of surgery, according to a study in the Journal of Spine & Neurosurgery.
5. Kolosis Bio and nonprofit MTF Biologics are launching Summit Matrix, a synthetic bone graft for spine and orthopedic surgeries. The bone graft is supported by NanoLift surface technology and designed to improve bone regeneration.
6. Tammam Hanna, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Lubbock, Texas, performed the first U.S. clinical case of TYBR Health’s B3 Gel system. B3 Gel is a collagen-based tissue protector derived from extracellular matrix and conforms to the tissue surface.
