OSSIO Inks Distro Deal with OrthoPediatrics

OSSIO struck a distribution deal with pediatric orthopedics company OrthoPediatrics, expanding its bio-integrative, metal-free OSSIOfiber implants to the about 400 U.S. children’s hospitals and care facilities whose surgeons treat most patients admitted with bone fractures and skeletal deformities.

OSSIOfiber implants gradually incorporate into the bone after performing their fixation, leaving nothing permanent in the bone after about two years following implantation. This removes the need for hardware removal surgeries typically needed for pediatric patients receiving metal implants because of their skeletal immaturity.

The implants are comprised of a proprietary mix of natural mineral fibers that integrate with newly formed bone around a fracture. The company said their initial fixation strength compares to traditional metal implants and disappear into bone tissue within 18-24 months.

The OSSIOfiber portfolio includes U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared compression screws, nails, anchors and other fixation devices for use in patients as young as two for alignment and fixation of fractures, osteotomies, arthrodesis and bone grafts, as well as soft tissue fixation to bone.

Earlier this year, the company introduced a minimally invasive, all-natural bunion correction system in an effort to perfect bunionectomy and grow its footprint in the fast-growing sector.

Comments from OSSIO and clincians

Dr. Jue Cao, MD, Denver-based orthopedic surgeon with specialty fellowship training in pediatric orthopedics, and assistant professor in the Department of Orthopedics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado: “It’s not often that kids need implants for broken bones, since most pediatric fractures can be treated without surgery. But when a child does need surgery, I sit down with them and their parents to explain the options. We have two options for fixing your fracture: metal or no metal, I tell them. When a fracture is appropriate for a metal-free implant, that’s my preference. OSSIOfiber implants provide the stability the broken bone needs to heal while gradually being replaced by the child’s own new bone. One of the biggest advantages of these bio-integrative implants is what doesn’t have to happen during recovery. Because there’s no metal involved, many children can avoid a second surgery to remove hardware. The implant is gradually incorporated into the healing bone, allowing kids to focus on getting back to being kids instead of another operation.”

Brennan Marilla, chief commercial and operating officer, OSSIO: “Partnering with OrthoPediatrics—the gold standard in pediatric orthopedics—is a natural fit for us. The deep relationships they have with the country’s leading children’s hospitals and pediatric-focused orthopedic surgeons will accelerate adoption of OSSIOfiber implants, a fixation technology ideally suited to kids that offers obvious benefits to patients of all ages, adults included. Our FDA-cleared technology has already demonstrated remarkable results across a variety of orthopedic surgeries, including pediatric trauma and reconstructive cases.”