Vertos Medical raises $15.5 million for U.S. commercialization of the company’s "mild" technology

Vertos Medical, Inc.,Oct 20 2009

Medical device company Vertos Medical, Inc., developer of the mild® procedure for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), today announced it has completed a $15.5 million Series D financing. New investor, ONSET Ventures, led the round with additional participation from existing Vertos investors CHL Medical Partners, Foundation Medical Partners, Aweida Venture Partners and DFJ Mercury. The funding will be used to continue U.S. commercialization of the company’s mild technology, the least invasive surgical procedure for treating LSS, with no implants left behind.

“Vertos’ mild procedure represents a breakthrough treatment option for a huge and underserved market of LSS sufferers: those who are no longer responding to medical management, but who are not yet candidates for traditional invasive surgeries,” said ONSET Ventures Partner and new Vertos board member, John Ryan. “Behind this procedure are proprietary technology and a top notch management team with a strategic approach for driving market adoption. We believe this combination uniquely positions Vertos for significant growth and will provide a healthy return on our investment.”

Approximately 900,000 Americans are in some form of treatment for LSS every year. Many address their LSS symptoms with pain medications or steroid injections, but these treatments tend to wear off or lose effectiveness over time. Furthermore, these patients may not be appropriate candidates for traditional invasive back surgery. mild offers an alternative image-guided procedure, performed through a portal that is smaller than the diameter of a pencil.

“This sizeable financing is an important milestone for Vertos and demonstrates recognition of the market potential of our mild procedure,” said James M. Corbett, president and chief executive officer of Vertos. “We are grateful to have the backing of high-caliber venture partners, including ONSET Ventures, as we endeavor to bring the mild solution to physicians and patients across the country.”