Press Information
28th July 2008
For Immediate release
ApaTechTM announces launch of ActifuseTM MIS:
Reaching New Levels in Synthetic Bone Grafting
Following its recent $45m financing, ApaTech, a world leader in applying the science of
silicon to bone graft technology, announces the global launch of ActifuseTM MIS, a
revolutionary addition to the Company’s product line.
Growth of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) has led to the development of ActifuseTM MIS.
The unique, purpose designed applicator provides unprecedented access to the graft site
for surgeons performing open and minimally invasive procedures and who require a
synthetic bone graft ready for immediate use.
Actifuse MIS is ideal for use in a range of spine and orthopedic procedures including
posterolateral fusion, tumor/bone void filling and acetabular cysts. The applicator
facilitates controlled bone graft delivery through flexible 20cm x 0.8cm prefilled
cartridges for fast and precise graft placement.
Actifuse Advanced Bone matriX (ABX) is 96% granules and can be placed straight into the
operative site without the need to be mixed with blood or bone marrow aspirate.The
unique, silicate substituted, calcium phosphate chemistry of Actifuse is a significant
advance in synthetic bone graft technology providing:
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An optimized, osteostimulative scaffold that enhances bone formation
A safe and effective alternative to both autograft and allograft.
Steady and predictable remodeling by the patient’s own biology over time
Commenting on the launch of Actifuse MIS, CEO Simon Cartmell said “We are leaders in the
science of silicon and its stimulative effects on patient biology. We are also innovators in
applying our gold standard bone graft substitute as a result of listening to our customers
and meeting their needs. Actifuse MIS is another example of ApaTech leading the way in
bone grafting ”
Dr. Louis Jenis of The Boston Spine Group commented: “A growing number of less invasive
procedures are being performed, reducing the impact of surgery on patients. Actifuse MIS
will play a key role in the delivery of high quality bone graft to difficult to access sites and
help us to achieve our goal of successful fusion. Actifuse MIS gives me the flexibility to
respond to varying volume requirements and the ability to place graft precisely where I
need it.”
Ends
Further Information:
ApaTech
Simon Cartmell, CEO
Simon.cartmell@apatech.com
Waughton
Robin Hepburn
rhepburn@waughton.com
+44 (0)20 8731 4640
+44 (0) 20 7796 9999
Notes to Editors:
About ApaTech
ApaTech Limited, based in London, England, Foxborough, Mass. is a world leader in bone
graft technologies. Founded in 2001 and based on research and intellectual property from
Queen Mary University of London and Cambridge University, ApaTech has introduced a
novel silicate substituted calcium phosphate bone graft material, Actifuse, globally. The
company believes that Actifuse is the first of a new class of synthetic bone graft materials
that combine osteoconductive and osteo-stimulatory activities and demonstrates the
Company’s leadership in applying the science of silicon to bone graft technologies.
The Company raised $23m of venture capital from 3i plc and MTI and $7m of debt from
Noble Venture Finance in 2001-7 and a growth equity round of $45m in May and June 2008.
ApaTech has locations in Elstree, UK, Berlin, Germany and Foxborough, MA, USA. The
Company commercializes its products, Actifuse and ApaPore in 21 countries around the
world and is achieving rapid sales growth, with sales of $15.5m in 2007.
ApaTech was recently recognized as Britain’s fastest growing medical technology company
in the 2007 Sunday Times Fast Track 100 fastest growing private companies review.
More details can be found at the website, www.apatech.com
About Actifuse
The unique silicate substituted calcium phosphate chemistry of Actifuse is a significant
advance in synthetic bone graft technology and provides surgeons with a safe and effective
alternative to both autograft and allograft. Actifuse stimulates the formation of bone and
improves the subsequent organisation and strength of the graft/host bone composite
structure. Unlike traditional calcium phosphate based products, Actifuse is steadily and
predictably remodelled by the host biology over time, ensuring that sufficient conductive
scaffold remains for the duration of new bone growth and its subsequent maturation.
Actifuse is available as a range of granule and microgranule formulations, as an Advanced
Bone matriX; Actifuse ABX, in a standard applicator and now in a purpose designed
minimally invasive applicator; Actifuse MIS and in an EasyPrep granule applicator.