Regenerative medicine therapies hold much potential in the orthopedic space, despite the lack of comprehensive knowledge around the therapies. Here, Anika Therapeutics interim CEO Cheryl Blanchard, PhD, explains how the company plans to approach the biologics market.
Note: Responses were edited for style and clarity.
Question: How will Anika capitalize on the regenerative therapy market?
Dr. Cheryl Blanchard: Today, the aging population and active patients look to regenerative therapies that allow them to return to their life activities quickly, with minimal limitations. In an effort to meet these needs, Anika is focused on providing early intervention solutions to patients who are looking to return to their activities of daily living and sports, with a broad spectrum of therapy options backed by clinically proven data. Safe, effective and minimally invasive, Anika's innovative regenerative therapy treatments are based on hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring polymer found throughout the body vital for proper joint health and tissue function. Anika has also built out its early intervention portfolio through two recent acquisitions of Parcus Medical and Arthrosurface to offer a full continuum of care.
Q: There's a lot of public distrust of regenerative medicine right now. How will the healthcare industry turn that around?
CB: Next-generation therapies, like regenerative medicine, provide great promise. Regenerative therapies supported by positive clinical data and successful patient outcomes will continue to provide exciting solutions to unmet clinical needs and greatly impact how we approach therapeutic care. Anika's products are based on rigorous science and data and have received regulatory approvals in the U.S. and worldwide that support their safe and effective use. The healthcare industry must stay focused on providing safe and effective therapies to doctors and their patients.
Q: Why did Anika acquire Parcus Medical and Arthrosurface? What are its plans for them going forward?
CB: The acquisitions of Parcus Medical and Arthrosurface expanded our joint preservation and restoration product portfolio, strengthened our commercial capabilities and infrastructure, enhanced our innovative product pipeline, and diversified our revenue base from our successful legacy commercial partners and distributors. These acquisitions also strengthened Anika's unique position in the $7 billion sports and regenerative medicine market.
These acquisitions brought a wealth of talent into our organization, and we view their integration into Anika's legacy regenerative medicine business as a growth story. We are currently focused on executing our integration plan and continuing to transform Anika into a leading global sports and regenerative medicine company. Our goals are to optimize our commercial infrastructure, realize the benefits from cross-selling and continue to bring innovative products to market with a focus on addressing unmet needs in the early intervention space.
Q: What happens if regenerative medicine fails? Why won't it?
CB: Regenerative medicine has had many successes since its inception and continues to be a driving force in surgical care. The science behind regenerative medicine is real, and patients and doctors will continue to demand innovative regenerative therapies that address unmet needs.