Bioretec Receives FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for Biodegradable RemeOs DrillPin
Key Insights
Bioretec (search) has received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for its magnesium alloy-based RemeOs DrillPin (search), designed for bone fragment fixation in pediatric and adult patients.
The designation covers treatment of epi-metaphyseal fractures in pediatric patients ≥2 years with open growth plates, including transphyseal indications requiring fixation across growth plates.
This marks Bioretec (search)'s third FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for its RemeOs portfolio, following approvals for Trauma Screw in 2021 and Spinal Cage in 2024.
Finnish medical device company Bioretec (search) has secured FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for its biodegradable RemeOs DrillPin (search), marking a significant regulatory milestone for the magnesium alloy-based orthopedic implant technology. The designation was announced on December 14, 2025, and covers the device's use for fixation of bone fragments in both pediatric and adult patients.
Pediatric Fracture Treatment Focus
The FDA designation specifically addresses the treatment of epi-metaphyseal fractures in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older with open growth plates. The approval extends to transphyseal indications where fixation across the growth plate is clinically required, representing a critical unmet medical need in pediatric orthopedics.
Breakthrough Device Designation is reserved for medical devices that may provide more effective treatment for life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating conditions and represent breakthrough technology or offer significant advantages over existing approved alternatives. The designation provides Bioretec (search) with prioritized and more interactive communication with the FDA during the remaining development and review process.
Expanding RemeOs Portfolio
This designation represents the third FDA Breakthrough Device Designation granted to Bioretec (search) for its RemeOs product portfolio. The company previously received similar designations for its RemeOs Trauma Screw in 2021 and RemeOs Spinal Cage in 2024, demonstrating the FDA's recognition of the platform's clinical potential.
"Securing Breakthrough Device Designation for the RemeOs DrillPin (search) is a major milestone for Bioretec (search) and for patients," stated Sarah van Hellenberg Hubar-Fisher, CEO of Bioretec. "It confirms that there are no equivalent solutions addressing this unmet clinical need and recognizes the potential of our osteopromotive, magnesium based platform to change the way fractures are treated."
Biodegradable Technology Platform
The RemeOs product line is based on high-performance magnesium alloy and hybrid composite technology, introducing what the company describes as a new generation of strong absorbable materials for enhanced surgical outcomes. The implants are designed to be absorbed and replaced by bone, eliminating the need for removal surgery while facilitating fracture healing.
Bioretec (search) has built unique competencies in the biological interface of active implants to enhance bone growth and accelerate fracture healing after orthopedic surgery. The company's products are currently used worldwide in approximately 40 countries.
Commercial Positioning
The CEO noted that the designation, combined with the CMS pass-through status already granted for the RemeOs Trauma Screw, strengthens the company's ability to build a commercially attractive and patient-centric portfolio in the U.S. orthopedic market. The first RemeOs product received market authorization in the U.S. in March 2023, with European CE mark approval following in January 2025.
Bioretec (search) has announced plans to publish an updated commercialization strategy and product development pipeline, along with revised financial targets by the end of 2025. The company emphasized that Breakthrough Device Designation does not change evidentiary requirements for clinical data, FDA marketing authorization, or other regulatory approvals, nor does it guarantee that such approvals will ultimately be obtained.