LRE System Ltd’s restorative elbow joint system is being brought to the global market via a strategic partnership with Ortho Consulting Group (OCG).
The LRE System (lateral resurfacing elbow) is a radiocapitellar resurfacing system. Instead of replacing the elbow joint, the LRE System is designed to “restore the elbow’s normal range of movement.” It can be used as an alternative to total elbow arthroplasty.
For almost 15 years, the lateral resurfacing elbow system has been gathering clinical data in the United Kingdom and Europe. According to the company, the clinical data for the lateral resurfacing elbow system demonstrates that “patients have a significant improvement in elbow function, with lower rates of complications than other surgical treatment options and faster restoration of ability.” Clinical studies on the lateral resurfacing elbow system as surgical treatment for patients with severe degenerative changes were published in the Bone Joint Journal in 2018 and 2019.
OTW spoke with OCG Director Suzanna Everard about the decision to partner with LRE System Ltd. Everard explained to OTW, “As a business consultancy with a dedicated focus within orthopaedics and spine, we are keen to partner with innovative businesses that share our commitment to delivering high-quality patient care. LRE System Ltd has developed a product that provides surgeons with another option to support patients with elbow osteoarthritis who previously had limited treatment choices.”
Everard continued, “The lateral resurfacing elbow system has 15 years of clinical data with patient studies in seven countries, including Italy, Austria, and the Netherlands, providing a good base of understanding for surgeons already using the technology. Utilizing our extensive experience developed over 12 years we look forward to making this treatment available to patients in new markets across Europe and beyond.”
The partnership grants OCG an equity position in LRE System Ltd, an Oxford-based medical technology company. The partnership will allow for the “development and management of a network of distributors in order to engage leading orthopaedic specialists to introduce the LRE System.” Additionally, under the terms of the agreement, OCG will work with LRE System Ltd to “identify and connect with suitable investment partners.”
OTW also asked Everard about the partnership’s goals for the coming year. Everard told OTW, “Having gained the CE mark in 2020, our joint goal is to accelerate product adoption for an elective-surgery option that was subsequently hampered during the pandemic.”
Everard continued, “Our immediate priority is to source investment partners to support commercialization, providing further capital to enhance inventory levels and to explore regulatory pathways in other key markets. OCG has already supported the sourcing, onboarding and contracting of UK extremities distributor Osteotec, and is now exploring further opportunities for the LRE System globally.”
