Woburn, Massachusetts-based OSSIO, Inc., a young technology company that is developing novel, improved forms of bone fixation using biologic materials, has appointed Gregory C. Berlet, M.D. to be its chief medical officer.
Dr. Berlet is a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery and a founding partner of Columbus, Ohio-based Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center. He is an active member of countless medical societies and is a familiar face at national and international medical conferences. Dr. Berlet has published more than 150 peer-reviewed scientific articles. Per the press release, he has also “partnered with industry leaders on the design and development of numerous orthopedic implants as a means to increase positive surgical outcomes.”
OTW had a chance to speak with Dr. Berlet about his new position. When asked why he chose to join OSSIO, Dr. Berlet told OTW, in part, “With OSSIO we are introducing a new paradigm in implant science where we are applying well-known surgical techniques but using implants that will participate with the body in the healing. The new paradigm is really about empowering and nurturing the human body to heal through implants that participate in the healing and lack a metal signature.”
Dr. Berlet also discussed what he is most enthused about as far as this role, informing OTW, “Introducing new concepts to a mature orthopedic market requires patience in messaging and guiding all stakeholders to a better understanding of how this moves the needle in their favor. Medical education is a passion for me, and this platform and technology has a lot to share.”
Dr. Berlet continued, “My role will involve discussions on the evolution of the OSSIO technology into a core collection of products. Additionally, I am very interested in the capital markets and how to execute on a smooth and iterative release of products, which is a key concept with a new market entrant like OSSIO.”
OTW also asked Dr. Berlet about his first steps moving forward. He stated that the first step is explaining the science to those who have not yet explored OSSIO technology.
First, Dr. Berlet told OTW, “I believe that OSSIO has the potential to replace metal in many surgical indications. Mechanical testing, animal data and human trials are all in process currently. I look forward to participating with our world class scientists to share this data at our scientific meetings, and via print and digital media avenues.”
Second, Dr. Berlet continued, “OSSIO is a bio integrative implant and not a bioabsorbable implant. Bioabsorbable implants have some clearly defined problems with burst inflammation, which has limited their usefulness. I intend to continue to message and emphasize to sales teams and surgical colleagues how the OSSIO platform is completely different. OSSIO stabilizes and participates in healing with remodeling to native bone.”
Finally, Dr. Berlet explained, “I look forward to working with the OSSIO board and providing the clinical, patient and surgeon context that needs to be incorporated into product pipeline discussions.”
