3D Systems, Biopharma Company Partner for 3D Printing

3D Systems and Theradaptive, a biopharmaceutical company in targeted regenerative therapeutics, have entered a commercial agreement naming 3D Systems as Theradaptive’s exclusive 3D printing partner. The companies intend to deliver a novel approach to promote bone and tissue growth using Theradaptive’s protein-based material-binding variants to coat 3D Systems’ 3D-printed medical devices.

This solution has the potential to provide patients with an opportunity for improved healing and better outcomes, the companies report.

Theradaptive’s founder, Luis M. Alvarez, Ph.D., has spent time researching bone and tissue regeneration at MIT focused on addressing the limitations associated with existing regenerative medicine approaches such as achieving anatomically precise outcomes and local delivery of therapeutics. The first applications of this technology have already earned three Breakthrough Medical Device designations from the FDA to address degenerative disc disease and spinal fusion.

3D Systems has worked with surgeons for over a decade to plan more than 150,000 patient-specific cases, and additively manufacture more than 2 million implants and instruments for 100+ CE-marked and FDA-cleared devices from its FDA-registered, ISO 13485-certified facilities. 3D Systems has also made strides in regenerative medicine, most recently announcing its Regenerative Tissue Program, the company reports.

“This agreement enables an exciting technological convergence of 3D Systems’ cutting-edge advances in orthopedic and soft tissue additive manufacturing and Theradaptive’s material-binding regenerative therapeutics,” says Luis Alvarez, CEO and founder of Theradaptive. “Uniting these two world-class technologies promises to provide safer and more effective treatment options for patients who currently have few options. This partnership sets the stage for many new products that will have the potential to significantly improve patient care.”

“The combination of both companies’ expertise and experience and relentless pursuit of enabling an improved patient experience is a strong foundation for this collaboration,” says Andrew Johnson, EVP, chief corporate development officer, chief legal counsel, 3D Systems. “We believe that enhancing 3D Systems’ unparalleled capabilities in medical device design and production with the benefits of Theradaptive’s protein-engineering platform has the potential to make a significant impact on the field of regenerative medicine, and patients’ lives.”

In addition to being named as Theradaptive’s exclusive 3D printing partner, 3D Systems also made an $8 million investment in the company.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.