European funding for spinal fusion research initiative
Posted in July 1994

Biocomposites Ltd. today announced that the company has been successful in securing over ECU 2.5m European support to fund a four year research programme to develop a synthetic non-metallic device for lumbar spinal fusion. The research programme embraces an international partnership which includes internationally renowned research institutes and orthopaedic clinical centres.

Biocomposites' Managing Director, Stephen Bratt said, "The company's objective is to develop a spinal spacer manufactured from synthetic biomaterials which will achieve sound mechanical and biological fusion between adjacent vertebrae. Essentially, the device will be designed to withstand the forces involved in the lumbar region of the spine and induce new bone growth to assume the load prior to being absorbed by the body."

It has been estimated that the global market for orthopaedic products is about 3.4 billion ECU, with approximately 10,000 patients undergoing major spinal surgery in the UK alone each year.