NBMolecules receives a CHF 205’000 grant from CTI

Nano Bridging Molecules S.A. (NBMolecules), is a privately held Swiss Medical Device/Life Science Research and Development company, focusing on the development of breakthrough surface treatments for dental and orthopedic implants. For a pre-clinical ovine study of a novel multi-phosphonated surface treatment of orthopedic implants, the CTI granted NBMolecules in collaboration with the Musculoskeletal Research Unit of the University of Zurich and the Institute of Biomechanics of the ETH Zurich, a CHF 205’000 funding.

 

In the current orthopedic market, either hydroxyapatite (‘HA’) coatings or roughened metallic surfaces are being used to aid fixation of un-cemented hip and knee implants. However, the use of HA has come under critical investigation due to the problems with wear particle formation, implant loosening and therefore increased risk of implant revision. In recent years, orthopaedic surgeons and implant manufacturers are aiming to replace HA coatings (which occupy about 55-60% of the orthopaedic market) with other technologies.

 

The study could prove a real technological breakthrough. SurfLink, with its molecular monolayer of permanently bound biomimicking phosphate-like groups, not only has a great potential to render the implant truly biocompatible both in the short and long term, but also avoids the problems of today’s coatings.

 

“It is very reassuring to see that we have some of the world’s most renowned orthopedic surgeons and experts on our team for these trials. It shows to me that our SurfLink® technology could be the surface solution for the future orthopedic market”,explains NBMolecules Chief Technical Officer and Co-founder Björn-Owe Aronsson.

 

The two teams from the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich will study aspects of osseointegration (i.e. bone-to-implant contact, new bone formation, biomechanical stability and implant bone coverage) in a mechanically loaded ovine model, comparing SurfLink® treated implants with control implants. Furthermore, the influence of surface characteristics on osseointegration will be investigated in a challenging situation using an unloaded gap model, comparing SurfLink treated implants with control implants as well as with HA coated implants which are currently the most used orthopaedic implant types.

 

SurfLink  surface treatment is intended for all bone anchored implants in the hip, knee, upper extremities, spine, trauma as well as maxillo-facial and dental implant sectors. Worldwide, yearly sales in these sectors were estimated to about USD 21 billion in 2010 with a 6.8% year on year growth. “The features of SurfLin  should also make implants available to patient groups that are today prevented from using them due to deficient bone quality. It would really help improve the quality of life for many”, Aronsson concludes.