People who suffer from lower back pain and opt for spinal surgery may soon have another minimally invasive option for filling the space left following the removal of the damaged or diseased disc. By inserting through a much smaller incision than current devices, the expandable XYcor spinal implant from Vertebration has the potential to spare significant trauma to the soft tissue and bone while it provides mechanical support during the fusion process between the vertebra of the spine.

A preview of the emerging health care companies profiled in the current issue of Start-Up. This month's profile group, "A Brighter Outlook for Cystic Fibrosis Drugs," features profiles of APT Pharmaceuticals, Aridis, and BioMarck Pharmaceuticals. Plus these Start-Ups Across Health Care: Cannasat, Nanobiotix, Reveal Sciences, and Vertebration.

The global market for spine implants and products will surpass $6 billion this year. While technological innovations continue to abound and industry proponents forecast sustained double-digit growth, the spine market is entering an unsettling phase of bureaucratic regulation and oversight from regulators and payors who appear intent on putting the breaks on this sector.

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