Cresco Spine closes seed investments to develop innovative dynamic surgical therapy for scoliosis  

Cresco Spine, a new player in the spinal arena and a spin-off of the University Medical Center Utrecht (the Netherlands), today announced that it raised seed investments from InSpine and Utrecht Health Seed Fund (UHSF) to continue its development of their unique surgical spinal correction platform “Dynamic Implant SolutionsTM” (DISTM), initially focused on early onset scoliosis.  Early onset scoliosis is a severe and life-threatening condition in a vulnerable, young patient group. These patients are severely affected by this condition that may lead to deficient cardio-pulmonary development. Treatment is associated with high complication rates and usually requires multiple surgeries throughout the early years of life. Moreover, multiple hospital visits for monitoring are required, which further increases the disease burden and healthcare costs.  Within its “Dynamic Implant SolutionsTM“ platform, Cresco Spine is finalizing the Spring Distraction System (SDSTM) for market introduction. The SDSTM is a unique, spring based dynamic distraction system that works with standard of care posterior pedicle screw fixation. The system has the potential to guide the growth three-dimensionally without the need for invasive lengthening interventions. This will improve outcomes, whilst minimizing re-operations and surgical and anesthetic burden in this vulnerable patient group. Several follow-on opportunities for Cresco Spine’s technology have been identified and will be next in line within the DISTM platform.  Prof. Dr. René Castelein, orthopedic surgeon and Cresco Spine’s Chief Medical Officer said: “This novel ‘growth friendly’ solution has already proven its potential in several prospective clinical studies, the system even outperforms existing therapies, with respect to outcomes and disease burden for patients. Based on conversations with orthopedic surgeons worldwide, the strong need for better treatment options is clear, and I look forward to working with clinicians globally to raise the bar in this very challenging field.” Michiel Schwartz, CEO of InSpine comments: "We always strive to provide improvement for spinal patients, which is reflected our portfolio and even more in our former and latest product developments. We see a tremendous need in this particular area of spinal care combined with a strong potential for innovation. This investment will enable us to realize next steps in development and work towards regulatory approval." Jaap de Bruin, Fund Manager of UHSF commented: “We are very pleased to support Cresco Spine, and strongly believe in its mission and potential. Cresco Spine’s approach to scoliosis therapy is to improve quality of life and outcomes, whilst reducing overall healthcare system burden and costs, i.e., an excellent fit with our investment objectives.”