Axial Biotech
Medical Devices & Tech  Advamed Member
2749 E. Parley's Way, Suite 210
Salt Lake City, UT 84109 USA
phone: 801-984-9100
fax: 801-487-2477
Symbol Private
Founded 2003
Employees 15
www.axialbiotech.com
Research Sector Medical Devices & Tech
Summary Description
Genetic Markers and Motion Preserving Implants for Scoliosis Prognosis and Treatment
Management
John Climaco, President / CEO; James Ogilvie, MD, Chief Medical Officer; Kenneth Ward, MD, Director / Chairman of the Board / Chief Scientific Officer; John Braun, MD, Chief Clinician; Lesa Nelson, Director of Research and Development; Mary Meade, Executive Manager / Director of Family Studies; Lesa Nelson, Vice President of Clinical Affairs
Keywords
fusionless devices, spine deformities, diagnosis, advamed, scoliosis

Comment | Printable Version | Aug. 29, 2008
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Description
Axial Biotech is focused on both DNA-based pre-symptomatic and prognostic tests for common spinal conditions. It is currently developing minimally invasive, motion preserving implants to advance the diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis. Axial also intends to apply its proprietary gene discovery and product development technologies to other spinal diseases.
Products / Services
Axial has developed a preliminary set of genetic markers for scoliosis after identifying the genetic location in the human genome. The company's first test will be used on pre-symptomatic adolescents and as a prognostic in those with early idiopathic scoliosis, enabling surgeons to predict which children will develop severe scoliosis and which ones are at low risk for the progressive form. The company has also developed five fusionless surgical devices (including the only such device currently being implanted in humans) for the treatment of scoliosis. Over the next several years, Axial will also launch product development programs for: gene-based diagnostics/prognostics for other spinal disorders (degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, Scheuermann's disease and osteoporosis); improved minimally invasive surgical instrumentation and biomechanical devices; and gene-based therapeutics and/or pharmaceuticals targeting spinal disorders.
Technology / Differentiation
The diagnostic and predictive data from Axial's pre-symptomatic DNA testing will provide surgeons the information needed to utilize the latest minimally invasive motion preserving technologies at the earliest appropriate stage. Pre-symptomatic DNA testing will create new opportunities for prevention or early intervention long before these devastating spinal disorders progress. A proprietary understanding of the genetic foundation of spine disorders will allow Axial to combine its genetic and device assets to create bio-mechanical implants offering treatment on both the molecular and mechanical levels.
Market / Customers
The U.S. market for a gene based test for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is estimated by Medtronic and Axial to be in excess of $180 million annually. Currently, spinal fusion is generally the sole surgical option available but is offered only in the most severe cases of scoliosis (curve > 40 degrees). However, this relatively small patient population creates an annual U.S. market of $140 million for fusion implants for the treatment of scoliosis. The population of patients with a moderate curvature (< 40 degrees but > 25 degrees) is approximately ten times that of patients with a severe curvature. At present the only option for these patients is an external brace, used merely to arrest the curve; it is then effective in only 50% of cases. When combined with an objective and conclusive early genetic diagnosis or prognosis, the company's fusionless devices will introduce the possibility of earlier treatment through minimally invasive corrective surgical intervention to the moderate curvature population, creating a potential new implant market in excess of $1 billion.
Status
Axial Biotech announced in March 2007 that it had raised $15.3 million in Series B financing. This funding round was led by new investor, Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation. The funds raised in this financing will be used to accelerate Axial Biotech's product development efforts and to prepare for the launch of its scoliosis genetic test in late 2008.


2008-11-23-979