LIPOGEMS
Lipogems-which enjoys the status of an innovative SME-has patented a device and technique that represent the “game changer” in the treatment of osteoarthritis, one of the world’s most prevalent disabling diseases: in fact, there are more than 250 million cases per year.
Lipogems technology effectively sets a new standard in orthopedics and is attractive to many big players in other surgical specialties that currently lack definitive solutions to change the course of disease. The economic size of osteoarthritis therapies is about $7 billion in 2020, and is estimated to reach $16 billion by 2030.
The technique involves using the unique Lipogems device to harvest and process autologous adipose tissue and activate the mesenchymal (adult stem) cells it contains. The tissue thus processed is then infiltrated into the patient’s joint or tissues as an autograft to trigger and support the natural mechanisms of tissue self-repair: in fact, thanks to the Lipogems technique, the activated stem cells retain their natural vascularization and can survive in the host tissue for months, constantly supporting the regenerative process aimed at interrupting or reversing tissue degeneration. The minimally invasive technique is performed in a single surgical time in a sterile setting (outpatient or operating room) in about 40 minutes.
The effectiveness of the procedure is documented by a track record of more than 50,000 applications and more than 100 publications. Last June 22’s green light from the U.S. FDA to the 200-patient medical trial will pave the way for the treatment’s reimbursability and is a key step for Lipogems: the U.S. health care system, based on “managed care organizations,” is the main market for this condition.
Round
LIFTT Investment
In portfolio: Q2 2022
Venture phase: Start-up