Amedica Names New Board Chairman

Amedica Corp. has named B. Sonny Bal, M.D., J.D., M.B.A., to serve as its chairman of the board of directors.

Salt Lake City, Utah-based Amedica is a biomaterial company focused on silicon nitride ceramics as a material platform to develop medical devices—primarily in the orthopedic sector.

Bal has served on Amedica’s board since February 2012, and is replacing the company’s former chairman, Max Link, Ph.D., who retired from the Amedica board on Aug. 20. Link had served as board chairman since October 2003.

“On behalf of the board, we would like to welcome Dr. Sonny Bal to the role of chairman,” said Eric Olson, CEO and president of Amedica. “Dr. Bal brings impeccable credentials, a wealth of relevant experience, and proven leadership. We are pleased that he will take a more active leadership role in building awareness and adoption of our proprietary silicon nitride technology.”

Bal is professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Missouri, Columbia, specializing in joint replacement surgery and ceramic bearings. He also is an adjunct professor of material sciences at the University of Missouri at Rolla. Bal is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, and the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons. In addition, he is a life member of the International Society of Technology in Arthroplasty, and serves on the editorial board of several peer-refereed orthopedic journals. He has published extensively on the biomedical applications of silicon nitride ceramics, and continues that work, with presentations at scientific forums worldwide.

In addition to guiding Amedica on the commercialization of silicon nitride ceramic, Bal also leads the company’s Adult Reconstructive and Spine Medical advisory boards.

Bal received his M.D. from Cornell University, an M.B.A. from Northwestern University, a law degree from the University of Missouri, and achieved fellowship in joint replacement at Harvard University. He also is a licensed attorney who co-founded the BalBrenner law firm in North Carolina.

“I would like to thank the Board for this opportunity at an exciting time of the company’s growth,” said Bal. “It is an honor to follow Max Link, who has been an integral force in the early development of Amedica, and a valued mentor on the board. I look forward to building upon his legacy as we build shareholder value through our relationships in the healthcare sector, and executing our strategic vision.”

Amedica markets spinal fusion products and is developing orthopedic bearings for hip and knee arthroplasty. The firm operates an ISO 13485 certified manufacturing facility and its spine products are U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared and CE marked.