Our data-driven review of the portfolios of more than two dozen leading medical device VCs show that the median life span of venture-backed companies hovers at seven years. Younger medtech companies are getting by – and getting farther in the regulatory process – with less capital, reflecting the current state of an industry that sees a whole lot of belt tightening in its future.

Recent executive-level hires and director appointments at venture capital firms and biopharma and medtech start-ups.

Founded at the height of the spine industry’s surge, Simpirica Spine Inc. has developed a dynamic stabilization device that is reminiscent in its simplicity and novelty of past interspinous spacers. The company will soon embark on a 400-patient pivotal trial in the US testing its LimiFlex against posterolateral fusion in treating degenerative spondylolisthesis. A successful outcome in the trial could help offset some of the setbacks the spine industry has suffered over the past five years.

A roundup of recent medtech strategic alliances, mergers & acquisitions and financings.