Bone Solutions recently received FDA clearance on the first product from its magnesium-based technology platform. OsteoCrete is an injectable or moldable compound used as a bone void filler for long-bone and pelvis applications. In addition to its strength and versatility, OsteoCrete is osteoconductive, so it will accelerate bone healing.

A preview of the emerging health care companies profiled in the current issue of Start-Up. This month's profile group, "Biotechs Eye Macular Degeneration," features profiles of Acucela, Iconic Therapeutics, MacuCLEAR, Ophthotech, Optherion and Sirion Therapeutics. "Scoping Out Gastroenterology Start-Ups" features profiles of invendo medical, Mauna Kea Technologies and Softscope Medical Technologies. Plus these Start-Ups Across Health Care: Bone Solutions, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals, Savara and VasoNova.

A brief discussion of a few new companies in the spine and orthopedic surgery market that presented at Medtech Insight and Windhover Information's IN SPINE & ORTHOPEDICS conference in Las Vegas, December 2006.

The orthopedic market is ready to shift its focus from reconstruction to induction, it appears. Products that induce bone growth will enjoy rapid growth in the coming years, according to "European Markets for Current and Emerging Biomaterials," a report recently published by the Medtech Insight division of Windhover Information.