Orthogem
Description/aims
Biomaterials company, Orthogem Ltd, is developing a synthetic substance for use in bone graft procedures. Led by Dr. Wei Jen Lo, the company's patented Synthetic Bone Graft (SBG) technology mimics the porous nature of real bone, without compromising on strength and flexibility.
Why we invested
There is a large and growing global orthopaedic market for synthetic bone substitutes. More than 450,000 bone transplants are performed each year in the US, and over 2.2 million worldwide. Ninety percent of bone grafts use bone harvested directly from the patient or cadaver bone from a 'bone bank'. Although these procedures deliver adequate clinical results, they are risky, expensive and rely on severely limited resources.
Orthogem's synthetic bone graft will provide a similar performance to the biological approach, but at a fraction of the cost. "It will have a huge impact on the bone graft market," says Dr Lo.
Impact / Benefit
Orthogem's synthetic material for bone transplants could bring substantial benefits to an ageing population by reducing the pain and risk of orthopaedic surgery. In Europe alone, the number of people aged over 65 is forecast to grow from 14% of the population to 19% over the next 25 years.
Written: October 2006
Summary
Orthogem Ltd is developing a synthetic material for bone transplants, reducing the pain and risk of orthopaedic surgery.
Sector: Healthcare
Team: Investments
Location: Nottingham
Investment: £117,190
Other Investors: Business Angels, Oxford 2 VCT, Oxford 3 VCT
Website: http://www.orthogem.com