Medtronic launched a surgical system in the U.S. designed to immobilize the thoracic and cervical spine during complex procedures and assist surgeons with navigation.
The Infinity Occipitocervical-Upper Thoracic System features a multi-axial screw that can move 60 degrees in any direction, as well as 3.0mm and 5.5mm diameter screws for a range of patient demographics and clinical applications.
The system also includes a spectrum of implant materials and sizes, and can be paired with the company’s O-arm imaging and StealthStation navigation systems.
Medtronic announced the launch during the annual meeting of the North American Spine Society in Los Angeles, and plans to make the system available globally over the next year. The Infinity OCT System is indicated for conditions including degenerative disc disease, instability or deformity, tumors, and traumatic spinal fractures or traumatic dislocations.
Last month, Medtronic announced it would acquire the remainder of Mazor Robotics, a developer of digitally-assisted spine surgery guidance systems, and plans to merge the company with its own implants, navigation and imaging products.
The $1.6 billion deal is the culmination of a phased investment agreement between the two companies that began in 2016, and Medtronic plans to maintain Mazor’s site and team in Caesarea, Israel.
“We believe robotic-assisted procedures are the future of spine surgery, enhancing surgeons’ abilities to perform complex procedures with greater precision, consistency and control,” Geoff Martha, president of Medtronic’s Restorative Therapies Group, said at the time.
By: Conor Hale
Source: Fierce Biotech
Pharma and medical imaging company MedTrace announced the appointment of Nicholas Borys, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Borys is a skilled and experienced healthcare executive with over 25 years experience in advancing portfolios of novel therapies across diverse indications in cardiovascular, cancer, and central nervous system disease.
Eli Lilly and Company has announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing presence in Ireland, with a $1bn investment earmarked for its Limerick site. The move is aimed at boosting the company’s production of biologic active ingredients, including those for its approved Alzheimer’s treatment.
Lonza recently announced that it has completed a planned expansion of the mid-scale microbial manufacturing facility at its Visp, Switzerland site. This multi-product facility was recently granted a GMP license, allowing cGMP manufacturing and release of biologics produced using microbial fermentation.
