Orthopedic News Roundup 2-Mar-06
BY HUYEN NGUYEN, MARCH 2, 2006
We are preparing for AAOS in Chicago, IL and invite you to check back to our website for information on analyst meetings and our top picks of scientific events happening at AAOS.
Earnings: Two hip & knee orthopedic companies (Exactech, Encore) reported their fourth quarter earnings this past week. Switzerland-based orthopedic/trauma company, Synthes, also reported their year-over-year Q4 and FY results with sales growing at 15% and 16%, respectively. IsoTis OrthoBiologics reported 4Q:05 sales growing at 34% year-over-year and 26% for FY:05. The company stated that total sales for FY:06 will increase by more than 20%. Orthofix International reported both 4Q:05 and FY:05 sales growing at 9%, while spine grew by 31% and 25%, respectively. The company estimated that for FY:06, total sales will be in the range of $335.0 to $345.0 million.
Product Introduction: Synergies USA introduced a new surgical application, Spetzler Long Claw™ Tip, for its bone aspirator product. The Claw™ is another one of its many products intended for the spine and ENT markets.
Regulatory Update: Amedica announced that its ceramic spinal implant, Arx Ceramic Spinal Spacer System, has been approved by the FDA. The Arx Implant is intended for patients for who suffered from collapsed or damaged vertebral bodies of the spine.
Supply Agreement: Osteotech has entered into a tissue supply agreement with Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services ("CTS"). The agreement called for CTS to supply cortical bone tissue to Osteotech for a five years term. CTS and Osteotech are both AATB accredited.
Miscellaneous: With the rise of the baby boomer generation, the Journal Gazette provides a positive outlook for venture capital funding in the medical devices market. The Franklin & Seidelmann Subspecialty Radiology, LLC (F&S) announced that Dr. Donald L. Resnick a Musculoskeletal (MSK) Radiologist and three members of his highly-experienced team of MSK subspecialists at UCSD have joined F&S. The Indiana Orthopaedic Hospital's first year revenue took in $50 million since its operation, Dr. John Dietz, a spine surgeon and chairman, explains. The Memphis Musculoskeletal Research Institute changes its name to InMotion Musculoskeletal Institute. Check out the OR-Live.com website for a live webcast of an MIS procedure on the Rotator Cuff Repair of a patient at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) in Boston. dj Orthopedics has been upgraded to "buy" by WR Hambrecht & Co.
