A REVOLUTIONARY TREATMENT FOR BACK PAIN

Bye-bye, back pain? Startup's implant could replace current 'gold standard'

 

By Noga Martin

 

Israel Hayom

March 10, 2021

 

Israel's ZygoFix has completed $2 million fundraising round for its alternative solution to spinal fusion for sufferers of severe back pain, the company announced Tuesday.

ZygoFix's zLOCK is a miniature screwless implant that provides spinal stability and fusion. ZygoFix describes zLOCK as the least invasive, simplest fusion option available and a replacement for the complex screw stabilization, currently considered the gold standard for such procedures.

The zLOCK implant includes flexible features that can be adjusted to the shapes of specific joints during insertion.

 

Illustration of ZygoFix's zLOCK implant

The first clinical use of ZygoFix's technology in Israel was performed by Dr. Lior Merom at the Rambam Health Care Campus. The surgery included laminotomy and facet stabilization using two zLOCK implants for the treatment of back pain (facet arthritis) and spinal nerve compression (foraminal stenosis). The surgery successful implanted the zLOCK in under 30 minutes.

"The simple and very low risk placement of the zLOCKs make it an attractive stabilization solution for suitable indications. We look forward to collecting more data as the study progresses," Merom said.

This case opens the Israeli clinical study site, following an ongoing study in Hungary that began in 2018 and has demonstrated meaningful and sustained reduction in pain and increase in quality of life for participants.

ZygoFix CEO Ofer Levy commented, "Our technology rethinks spinal stability. We leverage the natural anatomical structure of the spine and insert the zLOCK implant which locks the motion in the joint.

"We are very satisfied with this first case in Israel as zLOCK adds a new treatment option to the surgeon's toolbox. Its unique ability to perform internal facet fixation with a minimally invasive procedure enables us to treat pathologies in a simple manner, that were too complex and invasive to treat otherwise."

The funding round was led by Agriline (a trust of which Vincent Tchenguiz is a discretionary beneficiary), and Trendlines.  Additional private investors and the Israel Innovation Authority also provided funding. The investment will be used to conduct further clinical studies, enhance the system implant and tools, and for regulatory clearance.