ECM Medical Hammers Out Spinal Implant Distribution Agreement

ECM Medical (ECM), a China-focused medical device company, has partnered with Vertebral Technologies Inc. (VTI) to distribute the firm’s Interfuse system of spinal implants in China.

VTI’s lumbar interbody fusion system is based on proprietary modular technology. The InterFuse System is designed to help spine surgeons achieve the predictable efficacy of a large, biomechanically stable footprint, while utilizing familiar, less invasive approaches.

Surgeons are able to optimize conditions for successful lumbar fusion using VTI’s intra-operative assembly technology to create an anterior lumbar interbody fusion-sized footprint but with delivery through a smaller access channel than with currently available fusion products.

“While our products have approval in 38 markets worldwide, China is a key market,” VIT CEO Matt Kyle said. “We are excited that our technologies will be available to surgeons and patients in China.”

The initial Greater China launch will take place in Hong Kong and Macau in the fourth quarter of 2015 and in mainland China after regulatory approvals.

“Orthopedic implants are a key area in our product portfolio and the Interfuse System offers unique benefits over other fusion products,” said Brian Hakim, U.S. vice president, ECM Medical. “ECM is pleased to be partnering with VTI to bring a next generation fusion implant to the China market.”

Vertebral Technologies is a privately held company based in Minnetonka, Minn., that designs, develops, manufactures and markets less-invasive spinal surgical technology.

ECM Medical is an international medical device company based in China and the United States, with offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Changzhou, Hong Kong, Minneapolis, Minn., and San Francisco, Calif. ECM Medical partners with western medical device firms to bring products to the Chinese market and works to ensure those products have the best access to China’s market. ECM Medical licenses products approved in their home countries and then performs and funds the steps necessary to achieve China Food and Drug Administration approval before marketing and selling those products throughout China.