KFx Medical Corporation Announces License of Its Knotless Double Row Patents

KFx Medical Corporation has entered into a license agreement with DePuy Mitek LLC relating to its patents used in knotless double row rotator cuff repair.

Under the agreement, Mitek and its Johnson & Johnson affiliates will have the right to promote the use of products and techniques for knotless double row rotator cuff repair as claimed in U.S. Patent number 7,585,311 and related patents and applications for the life of those patents. Approximately one-third of more than 400,000 rotator cuff repairs in the United States utilize the technique to achieve an anatomic reattachment of tendon.

Terms of the licensing agreement were not disclosed.

“We are proud to have our innovation recognized by Mitek. Previously we announced our licensing agreement with Smith & Nephew for the same patents. I am pleased with the licensing arrangement with these two and knowing KFx’s double row knotless rotator cuff technology will reach even more patients,” said Tate Scott, president and CEO.

Smith & Nephew licensed the technology last summer. Under the agreement it reached with KFx Medical, Smith &Nephew retains the right to promote the use of products and techniques for knotless double row rotator cuff repair. KFx Medical’s AppianFx line of implants reattach tissue to bone in shoulder, knee, foot and ankle procedures, which combined exceed more than 1 million annual surgical procedures in the United States. Product offerings include those that directly place and secure tissue into bone both with and without the use of sutures.

Based in San Diego, Calif., KFx Medical Corporation was founded in 2003 to develop products for tissue fixation in a variety of orthopedic surgical procedures performed on the shoulder, knee, foot, and ankle. KFx provides simple systems for orthopedic surgeons focused on sports medicine. The company is privately held — Investors include Alloy Ventures, Charter Life Sciences, Arboretum Ventures, Montreux Equity Partners, and MB Venture Partners.