Bacterin Gets New U.S. Patent for DBM Technology

Bacterin International Holdings Inc., a developer of bone graft products, has received U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Patent No. 8,992,964, titled “Process for Demineralization of Bone Matrix with Preservation of Natural Growth Factors.”

The issued claims in the patent cover certain demineralized bone matrixes containing minimum levels of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), which include products in Bacterin’s OsteoSponge product line. Bacterin has pending continuing applications in the United States to pursue protection on other aspects of its bone demineralization technology.

“We are pleased to receive this patent that protects our proprietary demineralized bone products and recognizes the long term innovation of our company,” said Gregory Juda, Bacterin’s chief scientific officer, said. “This patent further substantiates our core competency in demineralized bone matrix (DBM) technology and we are committed to maintaining our role as a leader in advancing orthobiologic technology.”

The OsteoSponge technology allows for the allograft comprised of human bone to become compressible, while maintaining the spectrum of native growth factors inherent to bone. The growth factors are essential for the tissue regeneration process in the patient’s body, company officials explained. Because of the unique combination of properties, clinical investigators have been able to show fusion rates greater than 97 percent in peer-reviewed, published studies. According to Bacterin execs, their firm was the first company to commercialize a compressible DBM sponge marketed specifically for its handling characteristics, osteoconductive architecture, and osteoinductive properties for orthopedic bone grafting applications.

The products are used in a variety of applications including enhancing fusion in spine surgery, relief of back pain, promotion of bone growth in foot and ankle surgery, promotion of cranial healing following neurosurgery and subchondral repair in knee and other joint surgeries.

Bacterin is based in Belgrade, Mont.