Biologics

Developmental biologist Olivier Pourquié, PhD, identified a cellular segmentation clock-like mechanism in humans that controls spine development, The Harvard Gazette reports.

Ortho-biologics company Royal Biologics launched Magnus, a DMSO-free viable cellular bone allograft, the first of its kind to be DMSO-free.

NanoFUSE Biologics named Darren Lebl, MD, to its scientific advisory board.

Bioventus is partnering with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to provide its knee osteoarthritis treatments to Medicare Advantage and Commercial patients, beginning Jan. 1, 2020.

Here are nine key developments in stem cell research for spine this year:

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Helen DeVos Children's Hospital provided a $2.1 million gene therapy drug for spinal muscular atrophy to a one-year-old girl in November, reports Fox 47 News.

Dr. Conor Buckley, director of biomedical engineering at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, received a European Research Grant to study spinal regeneration on Dec. 10, reports The Irish Times.

Anika launched Tactoset, its new surgical therapy for bone repair procedures at the Orthopaedic Summit 2019: Evolving Techniques, which is taking place in Las Vegas, Dec. 11-14.

While biologic-based treatments have loads of promise when it comes to orthopedics, illegal actors are tarnishing the space and promoting false narratives that hurt scientific advances. 

ElevateBio appointed Melissa Carpenter, PhD, as chief scientific officer of regenerative medicine Dec. 9.