Abbott Acquires French Maker of Spinal Implants

(Bordeaux, France) for about U.S.$60 million in cash, plus additional milestone payments.

Spine Next manufactures orthopedic spinal implant devices, including a dynamic stabilization device that treats early degenerative disc disease without fusing the vertebrae, helping patients to preserve motion. Among Spine's products is the Wallis system, a novel spinal implant for treating the root cause of degenerative disc disease without fusing the spine. Dynamic stabilization devices provide additional support to the spine and can be less invasive than artificial discs, giving doctors an option for treating degenerative disc disease earlier in its progression.

"This acquisition enhances our spinal product line with an exciting nonfusion technology and expands the established global distribution network for our existing spinal products business,” said Jeffrey Binder, president of Spinal Concepts, a division of Abbott Laboratories. Abbott acquired Spinal Concepts, a manufacturer of spinal fixation products used during spinal fusion surgery, in June 2003.




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