Celularity, Arthrex Forge Supply and Distribution Deal

Celularity Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative cell therapies and biomaterial products derived from the postpartum human placenta to treat cancer, infectious and degenerative diseases, and Arthrex Inc., a global leader in minimally invasive orthopedic technology, have entered into an exclusive partnership to distribute and commercialize Celularity’s biomaterial products for orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. Under the terms of the agreement, Celularity will provide Arthrex with exclusive commercial distribution rights for orthopedic surgery and sports medicine and will continue to be responsible for product manufacturing and supply.
 
“We are tremendously excited to have Arthrex, a global leader in minimally invasive orthopedics, as a commercial partner to distribute our placental-derived biomaterial products,” said Robert J. Hariri, M.D., Ph.D., founder, chairperson and CEO of Celularity. “Each of our regenerative products leverages the unique properties of the placenta to augment the body’s innate ability to heal across a variety of clinical conditions. We look forward to working closely with Arthrex to increase the availability of these innovative products in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, and to improve the lives of patients.”
 
Arthrex Senior Director of Orthobiologics David Shepard added, “Arthrex is proud to support Celularity’s innovative technology that leverages the unique biology of the placenta. Partnering with Celularity positions us to explore new opportunities in the Orthobiologics space while continuing our mission of helping surgeons better treat their patients.”

In January 2021, Celularity entered into a definitive merger agreement with GX Acquisition Corp. to create a publicly listed leader in allogeneic cellular therapy. GX is a blank check company incorporated in Delaware for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. GX is led by Jay R. Bloom and Dean C. Kehler, who serve as managing partners of Trimaran Capital Partners.
 
Stephen A. Brigido, D.P.M., president of Celularity’s Degenerative Diseases Division, noted, “Arthrex is highly innovative, progressive, and committed to new product development. Our shared commitment to medical and surgical education creates important cultural synergies between the two companies. The Arthrex partnership will broaden the platform for using Celularity’s regenerative products in the setting of orthopedic surgery, the market for which by one estimate is $1.5 billion in the U.S. alone.”
 
Arthrex Inc. headquartered in Naples, Fla., develops and releases more than 1,000 new products and procedures every year to advance minimally invasive orthopedics worldwide. 
 
Celularity, headquartered in Florham Park, N.J., develops off-the-shelf placental-derived allogeneic cell therapies, including unmodified natural killer (NK) cells, genetically-modified NK cells, T cells engineered with a CAR (CAR T-cells), and mesenchymal-like adherent stromal cells (ASCs) targeting indications across cancer, infectious and degenerative diseases. In addition, Celularity develops and manufactures innovative biomaterials also derived from the postpartum placenta. Celularity believes that by harnessing the placenta’s unique biology and ready availability, it will be able to develop therapeutic solutions that address significant unmet global needs for effective, accessible, and affordable therapies.