Regulatory
Ondine Biopharma Corporation announced that their PMA application for the Periowave Photodisinfection System has been accepted by the FDA. The Periowave system is non-antibiotic and uses a low-intensity diode laser and a wavelength-specific, light-activated photosensitive compound to aid in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in adults.
Product Introduction and Update
Astra Tech launched the OsseoSpeed TX implant line, which offers a "modified tapered apex design" that the company says is designed to simplify implantation, "especially in soft bone where under-preparation is often desired."
PreXion, Inc. launched PreXion3D Volumetric Imaging Software for their 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography system for dentistry. The company says the software features "tools for implant planning and placement and an enhanced version of its PrexViewer software."
Sirona introduced new 3D software for its CEREC chairside system based on the company's Biogeneric technology. The program is based on genetics and can use an intact tooth to determine the natural morphology of a damaged tooth. The CEREC 3.8 software can be used for single-tooth restorations and for three-unit bridges.
Clinical
Nobel Biocare provided an update on several ongoing studies of various product. For their NobelActive implant line, results from 18 centers, 119 patients and 177 implants have shown "high cumulative survival rates (96.6 - 98.3%), stable bone levels and favorable soft tissue parameters" at one year. Data on their All-on-4 solution, which consists of full-arch restorations immediately loaded on four implants, showed cumulative survival rate of 98.36 and 99.73% in edentulous maxillae and mandibles, respectively, at five years. Additionally, a five-year study on TiUnite, Nobel’s patented implant surface, showed that TiUnite performed as well as machined surface implants when placed in "demanding indications."
A 20-patient study on acupuncture as a treatment for moderate to severe dental phobia found that the patients' average anxiety scores dropped from 26.5 to 11.5 following the acupuncture. All patients were able to complete their dental visits.
Collaborations
3MPlants launched a social network that will allow patients to interact with dental implantologists. The site will also allow dentists to meet with peers to "exchange ideas and experiential learning, solve critical clinical problems, remain current on emerging trends and technologies and grow their business."
Appointments
DTI appointed Lee Culp, CDT to the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Prior to joining the company, he served as Vice-President of Dental Technologies at D4D Technologies, where he guided the development of a variety of technologies for use in both dental practices and dental laboratories. Additionally, the company named Jeffrey Zellmer to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Zellmer has over 25 years of financial executive experience, including five years as CFO of publicly-traded Silicon Graphics, Inc. Most recently, he was Vice President of Finance for Lam Research Corporation, a publicly-traded technology company.
Nobel Biocare announced the following appointments to their Board of Directors: Daniela Bosshardt-Hengartner, Dr. Raymund Breu, Heino von Prondzynski and Dr. Oern Stuge. Additionally, Stig Eriksson, Antoine Firmenich, Edgar Fluri, Robert Lilja and Rolf Watter were re-elected to the board. Board members are elected for a one-year term.
Straumann also implemented several management changes. At their annual general meeting, Gilbert Achermann and Dr. h.c. Thomas Straumann were named the new Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board, respectively. Mr. Achermann simultaneously stepped down from his post as CEO, to be succeeded by Beat Spalinger. Mr. Spalinger's vacant role of Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Operations will be filled by Wolf-Rudiger Daetz. Additionally, four new directors were appointed: Roland Hess, Ulrich Looser, Dr. Beat Lüthi and Stefan Meister. Finally, Gilbert Achermann, Dr. Sebastian Burckhardt, Dominik Ellenrieder and Dr. h.c. Thomas Straumann were re-elected to the Board. Each Board member serves for one year.
