VB Spine Funds Research to Develop Predictive Blood Test for Pediatric Scoliosis

VB Spine LLC has entered into a partnership to fund research on molecular genetics and its impact on pediatric scoliosis. Dr. Alain Moreau of the Centre de recherche Azrieli du CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada, will spearhead the research.

“VB Spine’s mission is specifically centered around the patient: Everything starts with the patient, inspiring us to redefine spine care,” said Marc Viscogliosi, co-CEO of VB Spine, speaking on behalf of his brothers and fellow co-CEOs Anthony and John Viscogliosi. “The research Dr. Moreau is conducting brings that mission to life by allowing doctors the ability to intervene earlier in a patient’s journey and greatly reducing the need for critical care later in life.”

Dr. Moreau’s research began in 2001, focusing first on understanding the biological mechanisms behind idiopathic scoliosis and identifying whether biomarkers present in patients’ blood could help predict spinal deformity progression. Initial clinical studies launched in 2006 successfully demonstrated proof of concept, and subsequent peer-reviewed research has continued to validate the underlying science. The next phase of the project is expected to focus on further clinical validation, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration submission, and eventual commercialization of a predictive diagnostic test.

As part of its mission to accelerate the development of high-potential innovations, Axelys played a key role in structuring and securing the agreement, helping ensure the continuation of strategic funding provided by Quebec’s Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie (MEIE). “This agreement reflects the rigor of our support in technology transfer and intellectual property, while enabling a promising Quebec innovation to reach a key milestone toward international commercialization,” Axelys President/CEO Jesse Vincent-Herscovici stated.

In its agreement with the Centre de recherche Azrieli du CHU Sainte-Justine, Axelys, and the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie (MEIE) of Quebec, VB Spine will receive an exclusive worldwide license to commercialize and distribute any predictive scoliosis tests derived from Dr. Moreau’s scoliosis research.

“We are on the threshold of what could become the first truly predictive test to identify children at risk of developing severe scoliosis, opening the door to earlier interventions,” Dr. Moreau commented. “I am excited about this strategic alliance with VB Spine. It reflects a bold and forward-looking vision and long-standing commitment to bringing innovations to patients.”

VB Spine LLC is the world’s largest privately held spine company and among the largest family-owned medical technology companies. With a product portfolio and a large, growing global distribution network, VB Spine delivers specialized solutions that address critical needs in spine surgery and enhance patient outcomes. Focused on people, partnerships, and operational excellence, VB Spine ensures healthcare professionals have access to the tools and resources needed to provide the highest care standard. VB Spine is owned and led by the Viscogliosi Brothers.

Axelys is a non-profit organization striving to contribute to Quebec’s economic and social prosperity by accelerating the development and transfer of high-potential innovations from public research. Axelys offers consulting and support services in development, intellectual property management, and innovation transfer to all public research institutions in Quebec, in all regions. In addition, Axelys helps create scientific companies spun off from public research.

The Centre de recherche Azrieli du CHU Sainte-Justine is a mother-child health research institution affiliated with the Université de Montréal. It is an integral part of CHU Sainte-Justine, Canada’s largest mother-child health center. It aims to develop true precision health by leveraging the full potential of data and the most advanced technologies. It brings together 298 research investigators, including more than 170 clinician-scientists, and over 700 graduate and postgraduate students, all focused on advancing knowledge, finding innovative means for prevention, developing faster and less invasive diagnostic methods and treatments, and optimizing patients’ care trajectories.