OrthoPediatrics to distribute ETEX products in U.S. and Canada

ETEX Corporation, an advanced biomaterials company, announced today a distribution agreement with OrthoPediatrics Corp., of Warsaw, Indiana. OrthoPediatrics will market and sell ETEX's nanocrystalline calcium phosphate on a non-exclusive basis in the United States and Canada.

The ETEX bone graft portfolio complements pediatric orthopedic and spine surgery as illustrated in the recent publication of positive pediatric outcomes using ETEX nanocrystalline calcium phosphate in the treatment of unicamaral bone cysts (Thawrani, et al. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Vol. 29, Num 5, pp. 511-517, 2009).

EquivaBone® is the first osteoinductive and osteoconductive product that is moldable, injectable and sets hard once implanted. A proprietary combination of ETEX's osteoconductive nanocrystalline calcium phosphate and osteoinductive Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM), EquivaBone is indicated for use in posterolateral spine fusion. In addition, the osteoinductivity of the DBM is certified by lot in an in-vivo model, after sterilization, for the entirety of shelf life.

Beta-bsm® Injectable Paste and Gamma-bsm® Moldable Putty set hard with high compressive strength and provide an optimal osteoconductive scaffold for new bone growth. The nanocrystalline formulation mimics the chemical structure of human bone resulting in a predictable remodeling rate.

All three ETEX products are indication specific and intended for use in filling bone voids or defects of the skeletal system (including extremities, pelvis, and spine) that are not intrinsic to the stability of the bone structure. Beta-bsm can be injected to facilitate minimally invasive procedures. Gamma-bsm is a high strength moldable putty designed for use in filling large defects. EquivaBone targets slow healing fractures and defects where osteoinductivity is required.

Brian Ennis, President and CEO of ETEX Corporation, states: "We are pleased to announce the continued expansion of our global distribution network. Partnering with OrthoPediatrics will enable ETEX to focus on the traditionally underserved pediatric market segment. Our rapidly expanding product portfolio is an excellent complement to OrthoPediatrics' biologic and hardware initiatives."

SOURCE ETEX Corporation