Medtronic reports FDA Panel's affirmative votes on AMPLIFY rhBMP-2 Matrix for posterolateral spine fusion

Jul 28 2010

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Devices Panel today voted 9 for and 4 against (1 abstention) on safety and 10 for and 3 against (1 abstention) on effectiveness, that data including results from a large, prospective randomized clinical trial demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of AMPLIFY™ rhBMP-2 Matrix for fusions of the lower spine in patients with degenerative disc disease. The benefits of this new bone graft option, which is specifically designed for single-level, posterolateral spinal fusion procedures, were also found by a majority of those voting to outweigh any risks associated with this product by a vote of 6 for and 5 against (3 abstention).

“AMPLIFY™ rhBMP-2 Matrix represents a monumental advancement in the arsenal of bone grafting options available for posterolateral spine fusions. This is the first recombinant bone graft that has been proven to yield statistically higher fusion rates than the current standard of care”

AMPLIFY™ rhBMP-2 Matrix was found in the clinical trial to produce statistically higher rates of bone fusion at the designated 24-month endpoint compared to the control group, which used the patient's own bone harvested from the hip. Harvested hip bone, long considered the standard of care bone graft, presents challenges for patients and surgeons, including the need for a second surgery to harvest the bone.

"AMPLIFY™ rhBMP-2 Matrix represents a monumental advancement in the arsenal of bone grafting options available for posterolateral spine fusions. This is the first recombinant bone graft that has been proven to yield statistically higher fusion rates than the current standard of care," said James Hardacker, MD, an orthopedic surgeon from Indianapolis, and a researcher in the AMPLIFY™ rhBMP-2 Matrix clinical trial. "With this important new product, a second operation to harvest bone from the hip, which can increase pain and other complications for the patient, can be avoided."

AMPLIFY™ rhBMP-2 Matrix is a combination product that includes the following:

• Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) solution, a synthetically produced version of a naturally occurring protein in the body, which is used to stimulate bone formation
• A unique porous carrier system called a compression-resistant matrix (CRM) comprised of collagen and resorbable ceramic to carry the rhBMP-2 solution and maintain the rhBMP-2 at the site of implantation. The CRM also serves as a scaffold on which new bone may form.

AMPLIFY™ rhBMP-2 Matrix must be used in conjunction with a metallic posterior supplemental fixation device that is indicated for temporary stabilization of the spine.

Medtronic vice president Tom McGuinness, who serves as the General Manager of the firm's Biologics business, noted that the Advisory Panel's affirmative votes on all three questions represent an important first step of bringing this product to market to meet the needs of degenerative disc disease patients. "We will continue to collaborate closely with the FDA to develop the path forward. The potential approval of AMPLIFY™ rhBMP-2 Matrix will further strengthen our position as the market-leading provider of a comprehensive portfolio of bone grafting options."

SOURCE Medtronic, Inc.