Takiron Co., Ltd.
We Concluded an Agreement with Medtronic Spinal and Biologics (adivision of US Medtronic Inc.) on the Distribution of Medical Devicesfor Spinal Surgery to the World Market.
In May 2007, Takiron Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi; President: Seiji Morishita)concluded an agreement with Medtronic Spinal and Biologics (Headquarters: Memphis,Tennessee; President: Pete Wehrly), a division of US Medtronic Inc. (MDT), in which itwas decided that Takiron will supply new medical devices used for degenerative spinaldisease to Medtronic Spinal and Biologics, which will then distribute these to the worldmarket.
There are two types of surgery used to treat degenerative spinal disease. One is a
general method which aims to immobilize the intervertebral region by fusion andfixation using medical devices such as a cage and plate. The other aims to regainnatural intervertebral motion using a movable artificial intervertebral disc; thisapproach is a recent development that has been used overseas. We intend to supplynew medical devices that will be used for both these methods.
Metals such as titanium, carbon, or polyether ether ketone (PEEK) are commonly
used as materials for the cage and plate used for intervertebral fusion and fixation.However, these remain as foreign materials within the body for a long period oftime. We therefore aim to develop a more effective intervertebral fixation materialfor clinical use that promotes bone union and is replaced with bone; we will achievethis by creating a new cage or plate using the same material as is used for bonefixation devices (SUPER FIXSORB), which is composed of a high-strengthcomposite exhibiting bioactivity and biodegradation/bioresorption. This materialhas been developed by us and is distributed throughout Japan as well as overseas.
Apart from this, we have, over the past 10 years, continued to develop a movable
artificial intervertebral disc. We have conducted a joint study on the possibleclinical application of such a disc with the spinal surgery group of the orthopedicdepartment of a university. We have also conducted preclinical studies in animals ata US special research institute with the financial aid of NEDO (New Energy and

Industrial Technology Development Organization). This is a new artificialintervertebral disc (trade name: FABRICUBE
®
Disc) made of cubic three-
dimensional fabric that mimics natural intervertebral disc motion. Recently,artificial intervertebral discs made of several metallic materials have beendeveloped and are used clinically overseas. These are considered effective but theystill have problems. FABRICUBE, which is currently under development, differsentirely from the conventional metallic artificial intervertebral discs in concept,structure, and material, and is superior in terms of biocompatibility and durability. Italso retains a range of motion that is very similar to that of in vivo intervertebraldiscs over a long period of time (continuous motion for more than 30 years, similarto that of an natural intervertebral disc, has been confirmed).Spinal surgeons view this biomimetic intervertebral disc as a new biomaterial fromJapan that is of high clinical value and has the potential for global distribution andclinical use.
The two companies will cooperate in obtaining pharmaceutical approval in Japan,
Europe, and the U.S. to promote early clinical use of both products.
We have already obtained patents for both products in Japan and overseas.
Reference dataMedtronic Spinal and Biologics is a global leader that provides implants for spinal
surgery and surgical apparatus for medical care for hospitals and spinal surgeons.According to the statement of accounts in May 2007, total sales by Medtronic Inc.(MDT) were $12.299 billion; sales by the Spinal and Navigation Division were$2.544 billion.
The global market for all medical devices (mainly metallic) for spinal surgery is
approximately 20 times that of the market in Japan and is estimated to be worthabout 500 billion yen per year. The market for intervertebral fixation devices isestimated to be worth 50 to 60 billion yen per year.
If you have any further questions, please contact:
Keiichiro Koyama, Medical Division, Takiron Co., Ltd.
TEL (06)6267-2809FAX (06)6267-2801