Allegra Orthopaedics Ltd (ASX:AMT) has received the Innovative Manufacturing CRC (IMCRC) funding offer of about $2.44 million to manufacture kangaroo-derived ligaments in collaboration with Bone Ligament Tendon Pty Ltd and The University of Sydney.
The Sr-HT-Gahnite biodegradable ceramic material is expected to redefine the future of ligament reconstruction and pioneer a unique solution for the orthopaedic reconstruction of ligament injuries.
Allegra has the global, exclusive licence of the Sr-HT-Gahnite intellectual property from The University of Sydney.
Securing of the kangaroo tendon with Sr-HT-Gahnite will deliver safe, strong and reliable incorporation into the bone bed at the time of surgery, and beyond.
In addition, the project will develop fixation anchors and screws using novel additive manufacturing from the biodegradable ceramic material.
The project is expected to give Australian manufacturing a global niche, leveraging the country’s exclusive access to the kangaroo.
Allegra chief executive officer Jenny Swain said: “It is very exciting to be an integral part of this highly innovative Australian technology, which will improve the current methods of ligament reconstruction.
“This project represents a global high-tech manufacturing opportunity for Allegra and Australia.
“Developing Sr-HT-Gahnite as a fixation and bone screw material for this project expands the commercialised applications of this ground-breaking material.
“The Sr-HT-Gahnite material is already well advanced to becoming a commercialised product via Allegra’s development of a 3D-printed interbody spinal cage, utilising the material at our pilot manufacturing site in Sydney.”