Technological advancements in healthcare have enabled the creation of implantable medical devices for treating various orthopedic and cardiovascular conditions.
However, these miniature medical devices still have a long way to go. Ensuring long-term biocompatibility and preventing tissue damage are among the biggest challenges faced by implantable medical device startups and researchers.
Aiming to solve these problems, these five startups have invented better implantable medical devices.
This article details these startups, exploring their product range, growth & funding information, and the challenges they solve.
1. Synergy Disc Replacement makes superior spinal disk implants
| Founding Year | 2008 |
| Headquarter | Ontario, Canada |
| Total Funding Amount | $30M |
| Last Funding Round/Amount | Series A/$30M |
| Website | https://synergyspinesolutions.com |
Intervertebral implants face many challenges caused by abrasion and improper force dissipation, leading to potential nerve damage and biomechanical issues such as spinal instability.
Synergy Cervical Disc, developed by the Canadian startup Synergy Disc Replacement Inc., is designed to restore motion to the intervertebral segment and ensure balance, which is crucial for the spine’s function. The device is recognized for its innovative approach to achieving physiological motion and correcting sagittal balance, making it a significant advancement over existing disc replacement devices.
The implant components are made of titanium and Polyethylene. Combining these materials helps dissipate forces, reducing the risk of abrasion within the prosthesis. Available in multiple anatomical footprints and low-profile disc heights, the device caters to the anatomy of both men and women, starting from 5mm thickness and 14mm x 15mm footprint.
The Synergy Cervical Disc stands out for its ability to provide balance control arthroplasty, making it particularly beneficial for multi-level procedures that require predictable alignment to recreate the normal cervical spine alignment.
This startup was founded by Dr. Neil Duggal, a surgeon. The company’s CEO, Josh Butters, is a medical device industry veteran specializing in developing and commercializing innovative technologies.
The startup has raised $30 million in funding through its recent Series A on January 2024 via Amzak Health Investors.
2. ZygoFix has made a less invasive spinal implant solution
| Founding Year | 2017 |
| Headquarter | HaZafon, Israel |
| Total Funding Amount | $4.8M |
| Last Funding Round/Amount | Grant/€2.2M |
| Website | https://www.zygofix.com/ |
Spinal implants are among the most complex of the type. Typical spinal implants use screws for fastening, which pose a potential risk of loosening, causing nerve damage and infections, and making it difficult to achieve optimal screw placement. Additionally, patient anatomy variations can affect the implants’ stability and effectiveness.
ZygoFix’s solution stands out in the industry for its minimal invasiveness and innovative approach to spinal fusion, aiming to offer patients a more straightforward and less painful recovery process.
Established in 2017, ZygoFix is a medical device startup that manufactures a unique spinal implant called zLOCK. It is designed to stabilize the spine minimally invasive.
This implant is notable for its ability to achieve spinal fusion and stability without the use of screws, leveraging a design that adapts to the joint’s natural geometry.
Founded by Professor Yizhar Floman and Uri Arnin, the startup raised $2 million via a grant in its last funding round.
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3. Amplify Surgical makes less invasive endoscopic surgical implants
| Founding Year | 2017 |
| Headquarter | California, United States |
| Total Funding Amount | $7.3M |
| Last Funding Round/Amount | Series A/$7.3M |
| Website | https://amplifysurgical.com/ |
Typical endoscopic surgical implants involve invasive procedures and have potential risks of inflicting damage to surrounding tissues, causing infections, etc. This startup has developed a better way to execute this.
Amplify Surgical Inc. specializes in innovative spinal surgery solutions, focusing on minimally invasive techniques. Their products include the dualPortal® Endoscopic Approach and the dualX® Dual Expanding Interbody Fusion System, designed for lumbar spine procedures.
The dualPortal® technique allows for greater flexibility and visualization during surgery, while the dualX® system offers dual expansion capabilities for spinal fusion, aiming to minimize anatomical trauma and improve patient outcomes.
The CEO, Andy Choi, has over 20 years of experience in product development and commercialization with expertise in the medical device industry. Dr. Jefrey Roh, the Chief Medical Officer, has over fifteen years of experience as an inventor.
The startup has raised $7.3 million via a Series A funding round in Oct 2018.
Read – 10 Medical Device Startups
4. Meticuly develops personalized implants using AI
| Founding Year | 2017 |
| Headquarter | Krung Thep, Thailand |
| Total Funding Amount | $8.3M |
| Last Funding Round/Amount | Series A/$4.2M |
| Website | https://www.meticuly.com/ |
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all implant solution in orthopedic surgery. People have different physiques and genetic designs. This startup aims to solve it using artificial intelligence!
Founded in 2017, Meticuly leverages advanced AI-assisted software to produce bone implants tailored from individual patient CT scans.
Meticuly’s approach aims to enhance the bone surgery process, offering a reliable yet affordable alternative to traditional solutions.
These products are distinguished by their customization to each patient, achieved through AI analysis of CT scans and crafted using cutting-edge 3D printing technology. This ensures greater strength and biocompatibility by providing implants that precisely fit each patient’s unique anatomy.
Their CSO, Sumate Chaisoorayakan, has nearly two decades of experience in corporate asset management.
Meticuly is based in Thailand and has raised $8.3 million in funding.
5. BioPoly’s implants can mimic natural cartilage properties
| Founding Year | 2005 |
| Headquarter | Indiana, United States |
| Total Funding Amount | $15.4M |
| Last Funding Round/Amount | Later Stage VC/$300K |
| Website | https://www.meticuly.com/ |
One of the biggest challenges in using implants for cartilage defects is replicating the complex mechanical properties of natural cartilage. BioPoly has an ideal product to solve this problem.
Led by Herb Schwartz, BioPoly specializes in creating implant solutions for cartilage defects, offering a range of synthetic cartilage applications. Their patented material mimics the self-lubricating properties of natural cartilage.
BioPoly’s systems for the great toe, lesser toe, knee, trochlea, and patella are designed to replace only damaged cartilage. This method enables quick patient recovery and return to an active lifestyle.
The startup raised $15.4 million over six funding rounds.
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Authored by: Hemanth Shenoy, Market Research
