Founded December 2016
Stage Technology development
Investor The Trendlines Group
CEO Ofer Levy
The ZLock implant (circled) developed by Zygofix achieves facet joint fusion without screws.
ZygoFix has developed the zLOCK, a miniature implant that achieves spinal fusion without using screws. zLOCK utilizes the natural construction of the vertebrae to provide spinal stability, thereby eliminating the need to insert pedicle screws. Its novel implant is inserted in the segment’s facet joints located at the back of the spine and cancels inter-vertebrae motion.
The 3D-printed implant is an innovative combination of rigid and flexible elements, providing the ability to withstand the load applied on the facet joint and to fit into all shapes and sizes of joint anatomy.
Due to its unique design and placement, zLOCKprovides numerous advantages:
Learn more about how ZyogFix meets the market needs in this Q&A with CEO Ofer Levy.
Submitted 3 PCTs
Started first in human with successful results
Jerusalem Post (2018): ISRAELI MED-TECH STARTUP AIMS TO END CHRONIC BACK PAIN
Opportunity: Placement of the pedicle screw construct requires six incisions (minimally invasive process) and encompasses risk of misplacement which can lead to injury or revision surgery.
The market seeks an improved minimally invasive solution for spinal fusion that is simpler and less invasive, minimizes trauma, and affords greater efficacy.
ZygoFix is now funding. See the presentation (PDF). Send more information about ZygoFix.
10+ years’ experience in medical device industry, R&D, and product development; MBA Tel Aviv University; BSc, mechanical engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Serial medical entrepreneur; 30 years’ experience in medical device industry; 26 issued patents and 39+ pending (all in spine); former CTO Impliant (world’s first facet replacement device), CTO Spine 21 (world’s first remote-controlled spinal implant), founder and CTO ApiFix
Chairman and Director of the Israel Spine Center, Assuta Hospital, Tel Aviv; former Chief of Spine Surgery, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, President of the Israel Orthopedic Association, member of numerous organizations, including Scoliosis Research Society, International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine, Spine Society of Europe, and the North American Spine Society
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure prescribed for severe back and leg pain due to such conditions as degenerative discs or spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra), which cause unwanted pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. The procedure is performed by relieving the pressure and stabilizing the spine. Spinal fusion is one of the most common surgical procedures – fifth in terms of OR time consumption (HCUP Statistical Brief #186).
During the fusion procedure, part of the intervertebral disc is removed and replaced with a stabilizing implant (a “cage”). To en ensure spinal stabilization is achieved, external hardware consisting of pedicle screws and rods are used to lock the vertebrae together.
According to Orthopedic Network News Spine Report (October 2017), there are 450,000 spinal infusion procedures in the United States. Zygofix estimates its global market at $1 billion based on an estimated 40% of the (relevant) market.
