MEMSCAP (Euronext: MEMS),
the leading provider of innovative solutions based on MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical
systems), and OrthoMEMS, a medical device company focused on biomedical applications
of patented MEMS and wireless technology from Cleveland Clinic, today announced
a multi-year strategic partnership and Development Agreement to manufacture
an innovative MEMS sensor for the assessment and treatment of mechanical low
back pain. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
For MEMSCAP, the partnership is a key component of its plan to expand its
manufacturing presence in the U.S. medical device sector with revolutionary
products.
For OrthoMEMS, the partnership aggressively advances the development of its
breakthrough spine product all the way to market with a leading MEMS supplier
to
medical device companies.
The combined experience and technologies of MEMSCAP and OrthoMEMS enables
the
development and commercialization of the OrthoChip, a miniature, battery-less,
wireless
pressure sensor that will provide an objective measurement of spinal disc pressures.
The
OrthoChip is designed to detect clear-cut pressure differences between normal
and
mechanically unstable spinal segments and to communicate the results telemetrically
to a
read-out unit. This new capability is expected to significantly alter indications
for
surgery and non-surgical treatments. No other technology, existing or emerging,
provides this advantage.
As the leading cause of adult disability, spine conditions are widespread.
An estimated
26 million people per year in the United States alone report back pain severe
enough to
seek relief from a physician. $90 Billion, or 1% of the US gross domestic product,
was
spent on back pain in 1998.
“OrthoMEMS is an attractive partner because of its strong business and
scientific team
and the significant commercial potential of its spine application. This partnership
is inline
with our strategic commitment to be the lead manufacturer of MEMS in medicine,”
stated Steven Wilcenski, General Manager of the MEMSCAP Custom Products Business
Unit.
“MEMSCAP has a clear track record of success in developing and manufacturing
highvalue
added MEMS sensors for medical use. This strategic partnership adds real value
across our full product cycle – from the design-in phase to the market
launch of our
ground-breaking product that changes the way clinicians interact with the human
body,”
said Douglas Lee, Chairman and CEO of OrthoMEMS.
Posted May 18th, 2009