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PRESS RELEASES
Contacts: Anthony G. Viscogliosi, Viscogliosi Bros, LLC (212) 583-9700
ext. 100
Nick Kilsby, Creative Partners (203) 705-9202
VISCOGLIOSI BROS., LLC SIGNS AGREEMENT FOR EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO THE BIORTHEX,
INC. ACTIPORE™ TECHNOLOGY
New York, NY: February 10, 2005 - Viscogliosi Bros., LLC (“VB”)
is pleased to announce the completion of an agreement with Biorthex,
Inc. (“Biorthex”), Montreal, Canada, for exclusive global
development, sales and distribution of Actipore™ for use in small
bone and joint applications.
With extensive clinical history in spine implants, Actipore™ is
a porous titanium-nickel alloy with excellent biological and biomechanical
properties that can be used either as a complete implant material or
as a surface coating. Actipore™’s integrated porosity /
lattice-like structure is similar to trabecular bone and supports bone
cell penetration, bone cell integration, and long-term bone cell survival.
Titanium nickel alloys have been FDA approved and used worldwide in
orthopaedic clinical applications for more than ten years.
Through Actipore™, Biorthex owns a unique ultra porous biologically
and biomechanically compatible material, with a porous structure consisting
of interconnected passageways, that permit long term bone cell integration
and survival throughout the structure. This exclusive technology platform
has similar mechanical properties to bone, resulting in load sharing,
rapid tissue ingrowth and eliminating the requirement for additional
bone graft material, thus reducing the time of surgery, the risk of
complications and preventing graft site morbidity.
To date there have been more than 1,000 implantations world-wide utilizing
Actipore™, three clinical studies (plus one ongoing study) have
been initiated, and more than 25 pre-clinical studies have been performed.
The first product that utilized the technology, the Actipore™
PLF System was first implanted in December 2001 as a proprietary, technologically
advanced interbody fusion device indicated for lumbar fusion procedures.
Biorthex recently launched a second Actipore™ product for cervical
fusions, the ActiporeTM ACF System.
Benoit Sicotte, President and COO of Biorthex, Inc., said: “Although
only currently used in spine applications, Biorthex is committed to
further leveraging its Actipore™ technology in all areas of orthopedics.
By partnering with VB, we believe the proven benefits of Actipore™
will be extended to doctors and patients in other orthopedic markets.”
Anthony G. Viscogliosi, Principal at VB, said: “We at VB are
focused on being at the forefront of delivering surgeon innovated technologies
to solve unmet clinical needs for orthopedic patients and we believe
that Actipore™ offers significant improvements over existing surface
coating and total implant material technologies facilitating the opportunity
for rapid osseus integration where bonestock is minimal. Our company
looks forward to working with Biorthex and leading surgeons from around
the globe to develop new applications for the material to address unmet
clinical needs of orthopedic surgeons and their patients.”
About Biorthex, Inc.
Biorthex Inc. is a biotechnology company that designs, develops, manufactures
and markets innovative and proprietary surgical products for the treatment
of spinal disorders. The Company is dedicated to providing the surgical
community with safe, technologically proven and innovative spinal implants
for use in the treatment of spinal disorders, diseases and injuries.
For more, please visit: www.biorthex.com
Contact: Benoit Sicotte
President and COO
Biorthex, Inc.
(514) 382-4800
About Viscogliosi Bros., LLC
Established by Marc R. Viscogliosi, John J. Viscogliosi and Anthony
G. Viscogliosi in New York City in 1999, VB was the first venture capital/private
equity and merchant banking firm dedicated to the musculoskeletal/orthopedics
sector of the health care industry. Today, VB is a leading independent
firm with a mission to create, build and finance companies founded on
innovations developed by surgeons and uniquely focused on "life
changing" musculoskeletal/orthopedic technologies. VB has worldwide
surgeon, industry and trade relationships and significant financial
expertise in the musculoskeletal/orthopedic sector.
As principals of VB, the Viscogliosi brothers have a combined total
of more than 35 years experience analyzing and investing in the musculoskeletal/orthopedics
sector. The have pioneered innovative financial, strategic and management
initiatives for companies in the sector, from start-up, seed and development
stage all the way to exit, while helping thousands of people lead better
lives through the orthopedic and spinal products marketed and sold by
the companies they have assisted in developing and financing.
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