OrthoPediatrics Corp. (Nasdaq: KIDS) has announced the U.S. launch of its new VerteGlide Spinal Growth Guidance System, designed specifically to treat Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS) in children. The system, which recently received FDA clearance, represents the company's 80th product developed exclusively for pediatric orthopedic conditions.
Early Onset Scoliosis affects children under the age of 10 and can lead to severe, sometimes life-threatening complications including pulmonary and digestive dysfunction. The condition presents unique treatment challenges due to the need to correct spinal deformity while allowing for continued growth.
Innovative Technology for a Vulnerable Population
The VerteGlide system employs guided growth technology that aims to correct spinal deformities while minimizing the need for multiple surgeries as children grow. This represents a significant advancement in the treatment approach for EOS, which traditionally required frequent surgical interventions until patients reach skeletal maturity.
"VerteGlide marks a breakthrough in technology for children," said Dr. Richard McCarthy, a pediatric orthopedic spine surgeon from Louisville, Kentucky, who is recognized as a pioneer in growth guidance for scoliosis surgery. Dr. McCarthy, along with Dr. Scott Luhmann of St. Louis, collaborated closely with OrthoPediatrics on the design and development of the system.
The technology builds upon the Shilla™ technology licensed from Medtronic, demonstrating the company's commitment to leveraging existing innovations while developing specialized solutions for pediatric patients.
Phased Implementation Plan
OrthoPediatrics is planning a controlled rollout of the VerteGlide system, with initial surgeries scheduled to begin this summer at select children's medical centers. This measured approach will allow for careful monitoring of outcomes as the technology is introduced to the broader medical community.
Greg Odle, President of OrthoPediatrics' Scoliosis division, emphasized the significance of this launch: "We are excited to introduce another new product to treat children with EOS. The team has been working with key opinion leaders from the surgeon community to identify new technologies that will help this particularly vulnerable patient population. VerteGlide's launch represents our commitment to treating the entire disease state of scoliosis."
Addressing an Unmet Medical Need
Early Onset Scoliosis presents unique challenges compared to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. When severe spinal curvature occurs in young children, it can restrict lung development and function, potentially leading to thoracic insufficiency syndrome and increased mortality risk. Traditional treatment approaches often involved repeated surgeries to adjust instrumentation as children grow, creating significant burden on patients and families.
The VerteGlide system represents the second in a series of technologies OrthoPediatrics is developing specifically for EOS patients. Its design aims to reduce the frequency of revision surgeries while effectively managing spinal deformity.
Company Leadership Perspective
David Bailey, CEO of OrthoPediatrics, expressed pride in the company's achievement: "I'm incredibly proud of the Engineering team and the work the business teams have done to bring this product to market. It feels like we are making meaningful progress in providing healthcare professionals innovative treatment options for the patients they serve."
Founded in 2006, OrthoPediatrics has established itself as a leader in pediatric orthopedics, with a product portfolio spanning trauma and deformity correction, scoliosis treatment, and sports medicine procedures. The company currently distributes its products in the United States and more than 70 countries worldwide.
The launch of the VerteGlide system reinforces OrthoPediatrics' mission to address the specific needs of children with orthopedic conditions, particularly those with complex, potentially life-threatening deformities like Early Onset Scoliosis.
