Vertera, Inc. Company Profile

Background

Vertera, Inc. is a privately held medical device company specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative spinal fusion solutions. Founded in 2013, the company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Vertera's mission is to enhance patient outcomes in spinal procedures by introducing advanced materials and technologies. Its flagship product, the COHERE™ Cervical Interbody Fusion Device, is notable for being the first FDA-cleared porous all-polyetheretherketone (PEEK) interbody system designed for anterior cervical discectomy fusion procedures. This device aims to improve bone integration and fusion success rates in spinal surgeries.

Key Strategic Focus

Vertera's strategic focus centers on pioneering spinal fusion technologies that address critical clinical needs. The company's core objectives include:

Innovative Product Development: Creating advanced spinal fusion devices that enhance osseointegration and fusion success rates.

Material Science Advancement: Utilizing proprietary materials, such as the PEEK Scoria™ technology, to improve implant performance.

Market Expansion: Broadening the adoption of its products among spine surgeons and healthcare institutions.

Vertera specializes in spinal fusion devices, particularly focusing on interbody implants that facilitate bone growth and fusion. The company employs advanced material science, notably its proprietary PEEK Scoria™ technology, to enhance implant performance. Its primary market includes spine surgeons and healthcare institutions seeking innovative solutions for spinal fusion procedures.

Financials and Funding

Vertera has secured funding to support its product development and commercialization efforts. In May 2017, the company raised over $3 million, as reported by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. This capital was intended to advance the development of its spinal fusion devices and expand its market presence.

Pipeline Development

Vertera's key pipeline candidate is the COHERE™ Cervical Interbody Fusion Device, which has received FDA clearance. The device is designed to improve bone integration and fusion success rates in spinal surgeries. The company continues to develop additional product lines in spine and beyond, leveraging its proprietary PEEK Scoria™ technology.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Vertera's proprietary PEEK Scoria™ technology is a porous surface material developed to enhance bone integration in spinal fusion devices. Unlike surface treatments that are coated onto devices, Scoria™ is grown directly out of the solid PEEK material, creating a seamless surface-to-solid material interface. This innovation results in a more durable implant that is two times stronger in shear than trabecular bone.

Leadership Team

Allen Chang: Founder and former CEO of Vertera Spine. He was named to Forbes' 2016 "30 Under 30" list in the Manufacturing and Industry sector for his contributions to medical device innovation.

Christopher S. Lee: CEO of Vertera Spine. Under his leadership, the company advanced its product development and market expansion efforts.

Leadership Changes

In September 2017, Vertera Spine was acquired by NuVasive, Inc., a leading medical device company focused on spine surgery. This acquisition aimed to integrate Vertera's innovative porous PEEK technology into NuVasive's product portfolio, enhancing their offerings in spinal fusion solutions.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The spinal fusion device market is characterized by a growing demand for innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes and reduce complications. Advancements in material science and implant design are key drivers of market growth.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the spinal fusion device market include:

Medtronic: A global leader in medical technology, offering a comprehensive range of spinal fusion devices.

DePuy Synthes (Johnson & Johnson): Provides a wide array of spinal implants and instruments.

Stryker: Offers innovative spinal implant solutions focusing on minimally invasive procedures.

These companies have established market presence and continue to innovate in spinal fusion technologies.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The acquisition of Vertera Spine by NuVasive, Inc. in 2017 was a significant strategic collaboration. This partnership aimed to integrate Vertera's proprietary PEEK Scoria™ technology into NuVasive's product offerings, enhancing their capabilities in spinal fusion solutions.

Operational Insights

Post-acquisition, Vertera Spine's operations have been integrated into NuVasive's existing infrastructure. This integration has allowed for the scaling of Vertera's innovative technologies and the expansion of their market reach within the spinal fusion device sector.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

With the integration into NuVasive, Vertera Spine has the opportunity to leverage NuVasive's global distribution network and resources to accelerate the adoption of its innovative spinal fusion devices. Future directions include expanding the product line to address a broader range of spinal conditions and exploring international markets to increase global presence.