NovaBone Receives Patent for Cross-Linked Composite Material Preparation

NovaBone Products has received its second collagen-related U.S. patent.

The government recently licensed the company’s method of preparing a collagen bioactive glass ionically cross-linked composite. The primary claims of the patent are a method for preparing a collagen bioactive glass ionically cross-linked composite where the bioactive glass present is 80 percent or greater by weight.

“This invention is important in two ways,” said Greg Pomrink, vice president of Research and Development at NovaBone Products. “First, it allows the elimination of hazardous compounds such as formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde which have been commonly used for cross-linking collagen. Additionally, this intellectual property establishes NovaBone as the only provider of bioactive glass/collagen bone grafting composites where the amount of bone healing glass exceeds 80 percent.”

With the development of the cross-linked composite, company executives claim the firm is well-positioned to provide new collagen technologies for repair and regenerative healing for various clinical applications. NovaBone’s formulation is engineered to react and release ions as soon as it is exposed to an osseous defect. When implanted, it delivers a controlled release of ions over time that enhance cell signaling.

“NovaBone has been successful at adding collagen formulating, processing and manufacturing as a core competency of the company,” NovaBone Products CEO Art Wotiz said. “Combining this expertise with our capabilities with bioactive glass has resulted in several new product launches over the last few months with more new products in development.”

NovaBone is a privately held company that develops bone graft substitutes for orthopedic and dental surgeons. The 13-year-old firm is located in Jacksonville, Fla.