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September 9th, 2005
Naturally Vitamins, a subsidiary of Marlyn Nutraceuticals,
has reported that research published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" indicates that gastrointestinal health
may be essential to healthy bones. Specifically the company pointed to findings that suggest a nutrient called inulin increase
calcium absorption in young adults. Inulin’s role in the absorption of calcium is thought to be related to its ability
to nourish beneficial bacteria found inside the digestive system. This in turn reduces the levels of toxins in the digestive
system, which creates a better environment for the absorption of nutrients.
Inulin, which is derived from Jerusalem artichokes,
can be found in Naturally Vitamins’ Inuflora product. According to Joe Lehmann, CEO of Naturally Vitamins, "Inuflora
contains inulin which is good for overall health because malabsorption, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and weight
problems can all be related to the health of the gut." Naturally Vitamins also indicated that the sugar chains from the Jerusalem
artichoke were longer than those obtained from the chicory root, another source of inulin. Longer chains help further support
intestinal microflora.
September 1st, 2005
ISTO Technologies, Inc., an orthobiologics company,
has completed a $10.8 million financing round. The investors in the company’s cartilage regeneration technology included
Zimmer Holdings Inc., Alafi Capital Company LLC, Life Science Partners and Mid-America Transplant Services.
ISTO’s technology is intended to regenerate and
repair damaged cartilage. Based on cartilage cells from young donors, known as chondrocytes, the technology is used to generate
the cartilage matrix faster. The company’s initial application focus is on repair of knee joints and spinal discs, a
market estimated at one million per year in the United States alone. The funding is expected to help move the technology to
the human clinical trial stage.
August 30th, 2005
New Titanium Powders for Orthopedic Applications – Raymor Obtains Orders
As the world ages, damaged knees from over-exercise and
just plain old age will demand attention. How to best treat them will become more of an issue. Thortex, a manufacturer of
biomedical components, which include artificial joints, hips, knees, elbows, and shoulders, is one company that looks to advance
the technology. The company through an order of titanium powder from AP&C Advanced Powders and Coatings Inc., a subsidiary
of Raymor Industries Inc. (TSX VENTURE:RAR) is examining the possibility of these powders in its metal injection molding process
used for the manufacture of its orthopedic components. Noting the purity of the powder and its adaptability to medical applications
was Dr. Michel Drouet, Chief Scientist at AP&C. "The exceptional purity and sphericity of our metallic titanium powders
allows us to respond favourably to the very strict requirements of the biomedical sector. We are happy to add Thortex to our
list of customers using our titanium powders for biomedical implants and components."
Raymor Industries, which also has operations in nanomaterial
development, develops spherical metal powders through its AP&C unit, established in November 2004, primarily for applications
in the biomedical and aerospace markets.
August 22nd, 2005
Pegasus Receives FDA Approval for New BioImplant
Technology
Pegasus Biologics Inc. has obtained a 510 K from the
FDA for its OrthADAPT BioImplant, a new technology for the growth of tissue through the use of “adaptable biologic scaffold”
technology. The company indicates that it now has the clearances needed to market its product for sports medicine, orthopedic
and spine applications.
France Dixon Helfer, President of Pegasus, with the announcement,
of the clearance, described details related to OrthADAPT, "We are very pleased to have received clearance for our OrthADAPT
Bioimplants. The inherent natural properties of the tissue combined with our uniquely advanced cross-linking and sterilization
technologies result in the outstanding properties of the OrthADAPT Bioimplant. The Pegasus UltiFIX technology renders the
product fully biocompatible, while the UltiSTER technology terminally sterilizes the bioimplant without the use of damaging
chemicals or radiation. These technologies provide the Company with exciting new opportunities in the entire realm of orthopedics."
Also commenting on the new tissue regeneration medical
option was Dr. Larry Lemak, a sports medicine surgeon in Birmingham, Alabama, "As a practicing physician, I am excited about
the release of the OrthADAPT Bioimplant. It will provide us with a significant new option for many soft tissue surgeries including
repairs of the shoulder, knee, foot and ankle. The scientific studies performed on the OrthADAPT Bioimplant, demonstrating
excellent biocompatibility and tissue regenerating properties, are promising."
Al Weinstein, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing
at Pegasus indicated that the implant problem was related to tissue, "For decades, soft tissue defects have been the focus
of device, implant, and suture development endeavors. Now a new era begins with 'Pegasus' tissue biotreatment' with emphasis
on the real culprit: tissue itself."
Finally, Chairman and CEO Keegan Harper, emphasized the
market potential, "As surgeons discover these new uses and see improved outcomes over other alternatives, we expect to grow
the market tremendously."
August 12th, 2005
MAKO Surgical Corp., a company with its site set on what
it sees as a $4 billion market in the knee replacement medical device market, has closed a $20 million Series B private equity
round. Funding for the latest round came from Aperture Venture Partners, Ivy Capital Partners, The Exxel Group, MediTech
Advisors, and Sycamore Ventures. MDS Capital was also noted.
MAKO’s knee surgery solution is called Makoplasty,
which according to the company “enable rapid patient recovery and improved anatomical functionality.” The
minimally invasive technology uses digital electronics that permits surgeons to preserve bone tissue.
Imaging technology in conjunction with micro-electro-mechanical
systems are expected to give surgeons the capability to operate at the micro level because these tools enable the surgeon
to see as well as to cut and replace tissues on a much smaller scale than in the past. According to Dr. Anthony J. Natale,
Venture Partner at MDS Capital, "We are pleased to support MAKO as it continues to develop unique solutions for the knee replacement
market. MAKO's technology, synthesizing advances in orthopedic implant design and surgical robotics, will enable a significant
step forward in the movement towards less and minimally invasive orthopedic surgical procedures, resulting in improved patient
outcomes and quality of life. MAKO's current financing is the largest medical technology venture transaction in the
State of Florida this year and we are happy to support the continuing expansion of the healthcare and life sciences industry
in the State."
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