3D Systems (NYSE:DDD), the leading additive manufacturing solutions partner, and Theradaptive, a biopharmaceutical company breaking new ground in targeted regenerative therapeutics, announced they have entered a commercial agreement naming 3D Systems as Theradaptive’s exclusive 3D printing partner. The companies intend to deliver a novel approach to promote bone and tissue growth using Theradaptive’s unique protein-based material-binding variants to coat 3D Systems’ 3D-printed medical devices. This solution has the potential to provide patients with an opportunity for improved healing and thus better outcomes.
Theradaptive’s Founder, Luis M. Alvarez, Ph.D., conceived of the protein-engineering technology after witnessing extremity injuries that resulted in delayed amputations among servicemembers. His subsequent research into bone and tissue regeneration at MIT focused on addressing the limitations associated with existing regenerative medicine approaches such as achieving anatomically precise outcomes and ultra-persistent local delivery of therapeutics. The first applications of this technology have already earned three Breakthrough Medical Device designations from the FDA to address degenerative disc disease and spinal fusion.
As the original innovator of 3D printing and a pioneer in personalized healthcare solutions, 3D Systems has worked with surgeons for over a decade to plan more than 150,000 patient-specific cases, and additively manufacture more than two million implants and instruments for 100+ CE-marked and FDA-cleared devices from its world-class, FDA-registered, ISO 13485-certified facilities. 3D Systems has also made significant strides in regenerative medicine, most recently announcing its Regenerative Tissue Program.
“This agreement enables an exciting technological convergence of 3D Systems’ cutting-edge advances in orthopedic and soft tissue additive manufacturing and Theradaptive’s material-binding regenerative therapeutics,” said Luis Alvarez, CEO and founder of Theradaptive. “Uniting these two world-class technologies promises to provide safer and more effective treatment options for patients who currently have few options. This partnership sets the stage for many new products that will have the potential to significantly improve patient care.”
“The combination of both companies’ expertise and experience and relentless pursuit of enabling an improved patient experience is a strong foundation for this collaboration,” said Andrew Johnson, EVP, chief corporate development officer, chief legal counsel, 3D Systems. “We believe that enhancing 3D Systems’ unparalleled capabilities in medical device design and production with the benefits of Theradaptive’s protein-engineering platform has the potential to make a significant impact on the field of regenerative medicine, and patients’ lives.”
In addition to being named as Theradaptive’s exclusive 3D printing partner, 3D Systems also made an $8 million investment in the company.