OSSTEC secures £2.5m to launch cementless 3D-printed knee replacement technology

The round was led by Empirical Ventures and remains open for further investment. 

Osteoarthritis causes chronic pain for billions of people worldwide, with 1.3 million knee replacement surgeries performed globally each year. 450,000 of these cases are young patients who face a 35 per cent chance of failure (often due to the loss of fixation between the bone and the implant) and revision surgery. 

Based on over a decade of research at Imperial College London, OSSTEC has developed patented 3D-printing technology to mimic cartilage articulating surfaces and bone-fixing structures. Its first product has been developed with a team of surgeons and applies this technology in less invasive knee implants to stimulate bone growth. 

In a statement, Johnathan Matlock, general partner and co-founder at Empirical Ventures, said: “OSSTEC is an excellent example of how scientific discovery can be transformed into real-world impact. The company has huge potential to completely reform best practices in this field of healthcare, with an impressive team of scientists pushing the boundaries of engineering and medical research.” 

Unlike solid implants, bone is a porous, living material that reacts dynamically to the strains placed upon it.

OSSTEC is using 3D printing technology to make titanium structures that replicate how bone works naturally, emulating how bone naturally heals itself, how bone naturally grows, and how it is maintained in the long-term.

This porosity also means a better bond can be created between the implant and the bone, with bone growing roots into the implant rather than using cements to fix an implant to the bone.

OSSTEC said its technology will ‘fundamentally change’ orthopaedics, reducing the risk of implant failure or complications and allowing patients to stay active, pain-free and enjoy an improved quality of life.

Consequently, healthcare providers will be able to operate more efficiently, saving thousands on treatment costs and treating more patients.

Max Munford, PhD, CEO and founder of OSSTEC, said: “This funding marks a pivotal moment for OSSTEC, enabling us to bring our groundbreaking technology to market with our team of surgeons and engage in strategic collaborations to improve patient outcomes.

“We are at the exciting intersection of innovative technology, delivering value for surgeons and patients and high-growth markets, all combined to help more people stay active and pain-free for longer. We’re excited to take the next steps in scaling our impact and making a meaningful difference in patients' lives and the wider healthcare ecosystem."