Orthofix International to Participate in 2nd Annual Stem Cell Summit
Orthofix International N.V., (NASDAQ:OFIX) announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Blackstone Medical, Inc., will be a sponsor of, and will participate in, the 2nd Annual Stem Cell Summit being held at the Wyndham San Diego at Emerald Plaza on February 12-13, 2007.
Blackstone Medical will coordinate the live transmission of a spine fusion surgery involving the use of its Trinity™ Multipotential Cellular Bone Matrix. Approximately 300 attendees will have the opportunity to view the implantation of this revolutionary allogeneic bone matrix containing viable adult mesenchymal stem cells, which has been used as an adjunct treatment in more than 2,500 successful spinal fusion surgeries. Unique in the field of biologics, Trinity™ Matrix provides the three essential properties for bone growth: osteoconducivity, osteoinductivity, and osteogenesis. As such, Trinity Matrix is a safe alternative to an autograft, possessing hypoimmunogenic characteristics and posing fewer risks than a secondary bone harvesting procedure. The surgery, which will commence at 8:30 AM Pacific Time on February 13th, will be performed by Timothy Peppers, MD from Scripps Memorial Hospital in Encinitas, California, and will be moderated by Eric Westerland, MD.
Separately, Raymond J. Linovitz, MD, will give a presentation on February 12th discussing the potential that adult stem cells provide for the orthopedic industry, particularly in the spine arena. Dr. Linovitz’s presentation is scheduled to begin at 9:20 AM Pacific Time.
About Raymond J. Linovitz, MD
Fellowship trained in spinal disorders and actively involved in the development of new technology and surgical instruments for the spine, Dr. Linovitz is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience in spine surgery and spinal disorders. He practices at CORE Orthopedics Medical Center on the campus of Scripps Memorial Hospital in Encinitas, CA. He has also been vital to the development of several of Blackstone Medical, Inc.’s principal spine devices. Currently serving as Blackstone’s Director of Research and Education, he is also a member of the company’s Medical Advisory Board.
About Timothy Peppers, MD
Dr. Peppers is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who exclusively limits his practice to spine surgery and spinal disorders. He is part of CORE Orthopaedic Medical Center and one of three spine surgeons in the group. The group has offices on the campuses of Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas. In addition to treating problems of the spine, Dr. Peppers and his colleagues are actively involved in ongoing clinical research and participate in many investigational studies for new technology, medicines and treatments for spinal disorders.
About Blackstone Medical, Inc.
Blackstone Medical, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Orthofix, Inc. was established in 1996 and is a leading international spine product company dedicated to advancing techniques and technologies in the treatment of the human spine. Partnering with luminary spine surgeons to identify solutions and using a quality team approach with engineers, Blackstone creates breakthrough spinal implant and instrument products. Blackstone’s achievement-driven focus results in rapid design, cooperative manufacturing and exceptional service to surgeons. For more information about Blackstone Medical, Inc., please visit www.blackstonemedical.com.
About Orthofix International, N.V.
Orthofix International, N.V., a global diversified orthopedic products company, offers a broad line of minimally invasive surgical, as well as non-surgical, products for the spine, reconstruction, and trauma market sectors that address lifelong bone-and-joint health needs of patients of all ages, helping them achieve a more active and mobile lifestyle. Orthofix’s products are widely distributed around the world to orthopedic surgeons and patients via Orthofix’s sales representatives and its subsidiaries including Blackstone Medical, Inc. and Breg, Inc., as well as via partnerships with other leading orthopedic product companies, such as Kendall Healthcare. In addition, Orthofix is collaborating in R&D partnerships with leading medical institutions such as the Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and the National Osteoporosis Institute. For more information about Orthofix, please visit www.orthofix.com