The surgery of spines has begun in the late 1800s. It was not systematic until around 1916 when the neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Elsberg published a book mentioning how to perform surgical procedures on the spine and spinal cord for various conditions.
Surgeons dealing with spine started experimenting with certain materials for implantation into the spine in order to treat spinal deformities and defects. Neurosurgeons also came up with advanced treatments for spinal disorders in the 1960s and 70s. At present, one of the greatest developments in the spine field is the application of biologics in spine surgery. Spine biologics are substances used in spine fusion surgery for curing deformities such as trauma, tumors, degenerative disc disease, and spinal cord injuries.
According to a report published by Allied Market Research, the spine biologic global spine biologics market is expected to register a significant growth in the coming years. The market which generated a revenue of $1,644 million in 2015, and is likely to garner $2,214 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2014-2022. The drivers for the market include the rise in the number of elderly population, increasing occurrences of spinal disorders, the growing awareness of the importance of biologic materials, and interest towards minimal invasive spine procedures. Based on the type of product, the spine biologics market is segmented into spine allografts, bone graft substitutes, and cell based matrices. By surgery, it is divided into open spine surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery.
Businesses have adopted numerous marketing strategies in this sector with an aim to open up new possibilities to survive, increase revenue streams, capture market share and compete better in the marketplace. For instance, in August 2017, AlloSource launched AlloFuse Cellular Allograft Matrix for spinal, orthopedic and neurologic applications. In December 2016, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. launched PrimaGen Advanced Allograft, an autograft substitute. In July 2017, GNI USA Inc. has acquired Berkeley Advanced Biomaterials LLC, a company which offers allograft and synthetic bone void fillers. In August 2017, UK’s Tissue Regenix Group plc completed the acquisition of CellRight Technologies LLC, a US based industry leader of osteoinductive matrices. In April 2017, Amendia Inc. has purchased California’s spine technology company Spinal Elements Inc. In February 2017, the spinal fusion device manufacturer ChoiceSpine has acquired the spinal assets of Exactech.
AlloFuse Cellular Allograft Matrix Launched
In order to offer surgeons an advanced solution they need to support their patients, AlloSource, a provider of bone, skin, soft-tissue and custom-machined allografts announced the launch of AlloFuse® Select CM In August 2017. It offers a combination of osteoconductive, osteoinductive, and osteogenic properties to support bone growth, providing the benefits of autograft bone without any issue. The product finds applications in a number of spinal, neurologic, and orthopedic procedures. The cellular allograft matrix also possesses great handling characteristics since it is easily moldable and compressible for putting into interbody implants. The addition of AlloFuse Select CM improves the company’s portfolio of demineralized bone fiber, putty, paste, and gel allografts.
PrimaGen Advanced Allograft Launched
In December 2016, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. an industry leader in musculoskeletal healthcare, launched PrimaGen Advanced Allograft in order to offer a real alternative to autograft. The product is an autograft substitute comprising similar bone healing properties as autograft but without risks associated with morbidity or complications. The PrimaGen Advanced Allograft combines demineralized cortical bone fibers with osteoinductivity and cancellous bone, providing a support for bone growth with great handling and delivery characteristics.
GNI USA Inc Closes Deal
In July 2017, GNI USA Inc. has acquired a 70% stake in Berkeley Advanced Biomaterials LLC, a manufacturer of the highest-quality and most cost-effective skeletal repair resorbable materials. The company has developed various technologies to process biocompatible ceramics, polymers and human allograft tissue to manufacture biologic products for orthopedic, spine and dental surgery.
Purchase of CellRight Technologies LLC
In order to expand presence in the US healthcare market and increase market share, UK based firm Tissue Regenix Group plc has acquired the industry leader of osteoinductive matrices CellRight Technologies LLC in August 2017. The acquisition brings together the two highly complementary technology and product platforms focused on soft-tissue regeneration and regenerative bone matrices.
Tissue Regenix Group has manufactured numerous soft tissue products for use in wound care, orthopedics, and cardiac applications, based on its patented dCELL® Technology. CellRight technologies brings a complementary regenerative technology used for turning allograft bone into various malleable applications including, DBM Putty, strips, blocks and fibers for use in spine, orthopedics and dental surgeries.
Acquisition of California’s Spinal Elements Inc.
Amendia Inc. has acquired the assets of California’s spine technology company Spinal Elements Inc. in April 2017. The deal lets Amendia bag a pool of talent and a robust portfolio of products in its firm, thereby strengthening its position as one of the rapidly growing and most productive spine companies in the market at present. With the acquisition, Amendia will provide a great portfolio of spine products featuring titanium-coated PEEK interbody technology.
ChoiceSpine Acquires Exactech
The producer of spinal fusion device ChoiceSpine purchased the spinal assets of Exactech in February this year. Based in Florida, Exactech is a manufacturer of bone and joint restoration products for extremities, hip, knee, and spine. The acquisition allows scope for extending ChoiceSpine’s product offering to new customers and building relationships with Exactech distributors and end users. The deal will also boost ChoiceSpine’s international footprint owing to Exactech’s having distribution channels in Spain, Portugal, and Germany.
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