A number of emerging biologic technologies are currently being evaluated and launched in the spine field. Here are six key developments in the past month:
1. Kuros Biosciences treated the first patient in its clinical trial evaluating Fibrin-PTH for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in patients with degenerative disc disease. The phase 2 study is evaluating the technology for both open and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
2. Biopharmaceutical company DiscGenics raised $50 million in a Series C funding round to support expansion plans and clinical trials for its allogeneic, injectable disc cell therapy for lumbar degenerative disc disease.
3. Bioventus invested $15 million in CartiHeal and agreed on an option structure to acquire the company pending approval of its Agili-C implant. Bioventus also launched its Signafuse bioactive bone graft in a strip format in June.
4. Cerapedics received FDA approval to reduce the number of patients required for its P-15L bone graft clinical trial. In May, The Spine Journal published data from the company's clinical trial examining the fusion rate of its i-Factor bone graft in noninstrumented lumbar fusion.
5. Spine Wave launched its Tempest Allograft Bone Matrix, which features cancellous and partially demineralized cortical bone. The allograft features osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties to promote bone growth and cellular migration.
6. Baxter received FDA clearance for its Altapore Shape Bioactive Bone Graft for spine surgery. The product is used as a standalone bone graft substitute or as an autograft extender to fill gaps in the skeletal system.