Amedica(R) Signs Joint Venture Agreement With Orthopaedic Synergy(R)

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Amedica Corporation (AC), a spinal and orthopaedic implant and instrument company focused on unique silicon nitride (SiN) ceramic technologies, announced today an agreement with Orthopaedic Synergy, Inc. (OSI), a holding company for OMNIlife Science™ and Enztec, both global designers, manufacturers and distributors of leading edge reconstructive surgery implants and instrumentation.

Amedica is a full-line spinal implant company that owns and markets silicon nitride ceramic technologies that are now being utilized in spinal implant applications; however, the unique SiN materials have disruptive characteristics for hip and knee implant applications, as well.  The material is fracture resistant; its bearing/articulating surfaces do not produce wear debris that is linked to osteolysis-related, re-operations.  Additionally, the implants are BioActive™ with a hydrophilic surface and a conductive cancellous structure to enhance bone in-growth and attachment.

The Joint Venture Development Agreement will allow the development, regulatory approval and distribution of SiN articulating hip and knee implants in the U.S. and abroad.  This agreement further secures both companies' competitive positions in the largest segment of orthopaedic care.

Orthopaedic Synergy is a global reconstructive hip and knee implant and instrument concern that designs, manufactures and distributes its products.  Its corporate headquarters is located in East Taunton, Mass., and its design, development and manufacturing center is based in Christchurch, New Zealand. OSI is known for leading-edge innovation, cost-effective, outcome-focused implant systems and deep orthopaedic executive management experience.  

"Amedica's SiN technology is ideally suited for the innovative modular hip and knee replacement products developed and marketed by our company, and we view this Joint Venture Development Agreement as a significant step forward in solving the issue of wear in reconstructive orthopaedic products," says Nik Nikolaev, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Orthopaedic Synergy, Inc.

"Finding the appropriate material to use as a bearing surface in Total Joint Arthroplasty has been an elusive goal, especially for Total Hip Replacement. We have been investigating alternate materials for some time, and we are convinced that Amedica's  SiN technology is the answer. We are proud that they chose OSI to be their partner," says George Cipolletti, President of OMNIlife Science.  

"We are pleased that this agreement is now in place.  SiN is a disruptive human implant material that has application in spine, reconstructive surgery and other orthopaedic implant indications.  We are honored to be in this relationship with Orthopaedic Synergy – it is truly an alliance that, in time, can clearly enhance patient outcomes," says Ben Shappley, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of Amedica.

About Orthopaedic Synergy:

Orthopaedic Synergy, Inc. is a global reconstructive orthopaedic concern that functions as a holding company for OMNIlife Science, Inc. and Enztec, Ltd.  The Company designs, develops and distributes FDA cleared and CE approved reconstructive orthopaedic implants that represent leading edge technologies.

About Amedica:

Amedica Corporation is ISO 13485 certified and its products are FDA cleared and CE approved.  Amedica Corporation is an emerging orthopaedic implant company focused on using its silicon nitride ceramic technologies to develop and commercialize a broad range of innovative, unique spine and total joint implants for the growing orthopaedic device market.  It has brought to market various spinal implant products, while products under development include reconstructive hip and knee implants that represent a new standard of care in total joint implants based on superior performance, safety and efficacy.

SOURCE Amedica Corporation