Bacterin Gets Patent for OsteoSponge

Bacterin International Holdings, Inc. has been issued U.S. Patent No. 8, 992, 964 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its OsteoSponge human demineralized cancellous bone product.

According to an April 6, 2015 company announcement, the patent entitled, “Process for Demineralization of Bone Matrix with Preservation of Natural Growth Factors, ” includes claims that cover “certain demineralized bone matrixes containing minimum levels of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2).”

These claims are included in the company’s OsteoSponge product line. The company says it also has pending continuing applications in the U.S. to pursue protection on other aspects of its bone demineralization technology.

The OsteoSponge technology allows for the allograft comprised of human bone to become compressible, while, claims the company, “maintaining the spectrum of native growth factors inherent to bone.”

The company further claims that this unique combination of properties has allowed clinical investigators to show fusion rates greater than 97% in peer-reviewed, published studies. Bacterin claims to be the first company to commercialize a compressible demineralized bone matrix (DBM) sponge marketed specifically for its handling characteristics, osteoconductive architecture, and osteoinductive properties for orthopedic bone grafting applications.

OsteoSponge is a form of DBM made from 100% bone and provides a natural scaffold for cellular ingrowth and exposes bone-growth-inducing proteins to the healing environment. According to the company, the “malleable properties” of the product enable it to fill and conform to irregular bony defects. “Due to its shape memory characteristics, OsteoSponge will expand to completely fill a void after graft placement. The unique mechanical and biological properties make OsteoSponge an ideal bone graft for use with spinal fusion devices, in arthrodesis, or in fracture sites.”

Bacterin develops, manufactures and markets biologics products to domestic and international markets. These products, according to the company, are used in a variety of applications including “enhancing fusion in spine surgery, relief of back pain, promotion of bone growth in foot and ankle surgery, promotion of cranial healing following neurosurgery and subchondral repair in knee and other joint surgeries.”