Onkos Surgical, a surgical oncology device developer, said today that it is working with Promimic AB to commercialize Promimic’s nano-thin hydroxyapatite coating technology for use on limb salvage surgery implants.
Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a major component of normal bone and teeth that is already used as a coating on orthopedic implants to promote fixation and bone in-growth. Onkos is developing 3D-printed implants with novel porous structures to facilitate hard and soft tissue attachment. Promimic’s HAnano Surface — applied in a three-step process that creates a nano-thin HA coating — doesn’t block tiny porous structures.
“Tumor and revision surgery can be challenging based on the complexity of the procedures and the clinical presentation inherent with the patient population. It is well documented in literature that implant failure due to aseptic loosening remains one of the key challenges associated with limb salvage surgery,” Sean Curry, Onkos’ SVP of commercial operations, said in a news release.
Dr. Steven Gitelis, Onkos’ CMO and associate CMO at Rush University, explained that cancer therapy advancements are increasing the demand for long-term implants.
“Improved osseointegration is critical for our patients and the use of HA with orthopedic implants is well described,” Gitelis said.
Promimic CEO Magnus Larsson said the company’s unique surface technology has already demonstrated success when it comes to improving osseointegration for dental implants.
“The partnership with Onkos Surgical represents an important step for us into the orthopedic space. The combination of technologies and working with the Onkos team is a perfect match,” Larsson said. “I strongly believe this is a start of a new era for surface-enhanced implant treatments”
