Amedica Corporation, a company that commercializes silicon nitride ceramics as a biomaterial platform, has agreed to collaborate with Celling Biosciences, a firm active in autologous cellular therapy technologies. The goal of the collaboration is to research and develop biologically enhanced implants. Research by Celling Biosciences’ scientists indicated that mesenchymal stem cells can be optimized and proliferate when using silicon nitride compared to the current PEEK and titanium biomaterials.
Amedica officials state that their recent in vivo study shows that the firm’s silicon nitride composition significantly outperformed PEEK in attachment testing of mesenchymal stem cells. They say that Amedica’s silicon nitride biomaterial contains natural nano-surface topography and chemistry that play an active role in implant integration. The results of the study, they say, suggest the microenvironment of silicon nitride promotes better cell adhesion and compatibility with five times greater cell adhesion as compared to the PEEK material used.
Once the initial research phase is completed, Celling Biosciences will translate the early findings to clinical trials in spinal and orthopedic applications. Officials believe that collaborative research will further define the clinical advantages of silicon nitride in combination with stem cell-based therapies.
“The initial findings by Celling Biosciences further validate the unique benefits of our medical-grade silicon nitride technology platform, ” said Sonny Bal M.D., Amedica Chairman and CEO. “We look forward to continued research and future publications to underscore the favorable cell adhesion properties of silicon nitride, which are paramount to rapid bone fusion and improved patient outcomes.”
Amedica is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Its spine products are FDA-cleared, CE-marked, and are marketed in the U.S. and in Europe and South America. Celling Biosciences is located in Austin, Texas.
