Intramedullary Nail and Fixation Plate Coated with Biodegradable and Osteoinductive Pure Mg or Its Alloys for Enhancing Bone Fracture Repair

Inventor:

QIN Ling

XIE Xinhui

ZHENG Yufeng

Contact:

Esther Tang

Office of Research and Knowledge Transfer Services

esthertang@cuhk.edu.hk

[Licensing negotiation in progress]

[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline: 17 January 2022]

We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “Intramedullary Nail and Fixation Plate Coated with Biodegradable and Osteoinductive Pure Mg or Its Alloys for Enhancing Bone Fracture Repair” technology.  The innovation is developed by Professor QIN Ling, of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 11/MED/436).

The Technology

Bone fracture is a common medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone. The non-unions occur in 5-10% of fractures and are characterized by the failure to heal without further intervention. Magnesium (Mg) is an important bivalent ions associated with the formation of bioactive apatite, and it is thus an important factor for bone metabolism. Degraded elements (e.g. Mg ions) products during degradation of pure Mg or its alloys could lead to bone cell activation followed by the increased bone formation. We have developed novel titanium or steel fracture fixation devices coated with biodegradable and osteoinductive pure Mg or Mg alloy for enhancement of bone fracture healing. This innovative approach will facilitate better healing and earlier removal of the fixation nail or plate therefore earlier recovery and reduction of complications as well as costs associated with delayed healing or fracture non-union. This invention have profound impact on innovation of orthopaedic implants and significant contribution to our orthopeadic community, especially to benefit patients with difficult fracture repair such as in patients with osteoporosis and osteonecrosis.

Commercialization

 
The technology is now available for licensing on an exclusive basis.  In order to fully realize the benefit of the technology, we expect substantial investment is necessary to enable further research and development.  In addition to the financial commitment, the licensee is expected to have the appropriate expertise as well as plans in marketing and strategizing the end product to ensure successful transfer of the technology to the society.  Previous or existing business involvement and experience in this area is a plus.

This invitation of expression of interest is without prejudice.  We also stress that this invitation is not a tender, and the University is not bound to accept any offer, or to accept the highest monetary offer, as there are additional considerations (such as the widest possible benefit to the community) that we, as a public institution, will need to take into consideration.