Nextremity Solutions, Molecular Matrix Sign Exclusive Agreement

Nextremity Solutions Inc. has signed an exclusive agreement with biotechnology firm Molecular Matrix Inc. (MMI) for rights to the latter company’s GroCell 3D technology and new musculoskeletal innovations for use below the knee.

GroCell-3D allows clinicians to grow mammalian cells and tissues on a three dimensional scaffold. This scaffold has been shown to support the growth of bone, cartilage, heart, nerves, liver, and stem cells, among others.

The GroCell-3D scaffold is safe, highly porous (97 percent porosity), biocompatible, and biodegradable, according to Nextremity executives. Cells cultivated using the GroCell-3D scaffold have shown exceptional compatibility and growth, they added. The scaffold’s properties (biocompatibile, biodegradable, and osteogenic) can help researchers develop a superior and more cost-effective bone-void filler.

“As an inventor, I am intrigued to see how this technology is able to be used in real-world situations,” said Molecular Matrix founder Charles Lee, Ph.D., who also invented the GroCell technology. “Through this partnership, we are able to combine Molecular Matrix’s expertise in biotechnology with Nextremity’s expertise and worldwide surgeon relationships in the foot and ankle market to develop  treatment options that will help patients.”

Nextremity Solutions is expected to launch this technology as part of its product portfolio in 2016.

“When I first heard about this technology I knew Nextremity Solutions needed to find a way to work with Molecular Matrix. When you really think about all of the ways this technology could be used in the treatment of foot and ankle degenerative diseases and deformities, you realize that this industry is about to change. We are privileged to partner with the team at Molecular Matrix,” said Nick Deeter, CEO/chairman of Nextremity Solutions. “We are so excited about what MMI can do in the musculoskeletal area throughout the human body, that Nextremity has invested in MMI and our CFO, Frank Patton, will be joining their Board of Directors.”

Nextremity Solutions is a privately held medical device company offering foot and ankle surgical treatment solutions. The company is based in Warsaw, Ind.