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Spinal Kinetics Wins in Synthes Patent Suit (press release)
Spinal Kinetics, the designer and manufacturer of the innovative M6(R) Artificial Disc, today announced that a jury in the United States District Court, Northern District of California, has found that the M6 does not infringe on Synthes' U.S. Patent No. 7,429,270. The jury found the Synthes '270 patent invalid.
The M6-C cervical and M6-L lumbar artificial discs help patients suffering from degenerative disc disease of the spine; a common cause of chronic and severe back and neck pain. The M6 technology provides an alternative to spinal fusion and is designed to preserve motion and reduce the chances of subsequent degeneration of adjacent discs. Introduced internationally in 2006, M6 has quickly become a market leader in Europe and is available in over 17 countries worldwide. With over 13,500 implants to date, the M6 continues to generate enthusiasm among both patients and surgeons searching for a more physiologic disc replacement technology.
"We are very pleased with the jury's verdict in this case," said Tom Afzal, Spinal Kinetics' President and CEO. "The interest in the M6 disc is accelerating around the worl...
