BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--iWalk (also known as BiOM®), a leader in the field of bionic prosthetic devices, announced today that the company has relaunched itself as BionX™ Medical Technologies, Inc. to better reflect its commitment to delivering bionic solutions that address critical unmet needs in the market. The company will unveil its new name and logo during its presentation at the Ladenburg Thalmann Healthcare Conference in New York City on Tuesday, September 29th. The corporate relaunch also reflects a series of significant company milestones, including the addition of an industry-leading executive team, market-leading product enhancements, international commercial expansion and ongoing support from reimbursement authorities such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Workers’ Compensation payers across the U.S.
“Our company was founded to revolutionize the prosthetic device industry by providing products, based on our bionic platform, that enable patients to have more freedom in their lives. Over the last year, we have made significant progress towards achieving this goal, having fortified our corporate organization, disciplined our commercial execution and continually expanded our IP portfolio and product pipeline,” said Dr. Charles S. Carignan, President and CEO of BionX. “Our new name helps communicate our commitment to offering bionic solutions that restore normalized limb function and improve quality of life. We are continually inspired by our patients who strive to achieve their greatest potential.”
The BiOM® Ankle, the company’s flagship product, is the only lower-limb prosthesis with powered propulsion for enhanced mobility. Only the BiOM Ankle provides power that emulates lost muscle function, control that mimics normal ankle movement and stability that automatically adjusts to any surface.
BionX is in the process of executing several key growth drivers including expanded insurance reimbursement, international commercial expansion and new product introductions.
About BionX™:
BionX is a leader in the field of prosthetic devices with their flagship product the BiOM Ankle, the only lower-limb prosthesis with powered propulsion for enhanced mobility. Privately held and headquartered in Bedford, Mass., BionX was originally founded in 2007 as iWalk by Dr. Hugh Herr, Director and Principal Investigator of the Biomechatronics Group of MIT’s Media Laboratory, and funded by leading investment firms including WFD Ventures, General Catalyst Partners, Sigma Partners, and Gilde Healthcare Partners. The company has also received funding and support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Army’s Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC).
About the BiOM® Ankle:
The BiOM Ankle leverages patented technology to address the limitations of current lower-limb prostheses. Only the BiOM Ankle provides power that emulates lost muscle function, control that mimics normal ankle movement and stability that automatically adjusts to any surface. Clinical studies have shown that the BiOM Ankle can help people to walk faster and farther with less energy, improve balance and stability, reduce joint forces that lead to pain and more easily climb ramps, hills and stairs.1-7
REFERENCES:
1. H. Herr, A. Grabowski, ‘Bionic Ankle–Foot Prosthesis Normalizes Walking Gait for Persons with Leg Amputation’, Proc Biol Sci. Vol. 7; 279(1728): 457–464. 2012.
2. A. Ferris, J. Aldridge, J. Sturdy, J. Wilken, ‘Evaluation Of The Biomimetic Properties Of A New Powered Ankle-Foot Prosthetic System’, Dept. Of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Center for the Intrepid, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA. Presented At American Society Of Biomechanics 2011.
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7. E. Esposito, Et Al., ‘Step-To-Step Transition Work During Level And Inclined Walking Using Passive And Powered Ankle-Foot Prostheses’, Prosthet Orthot Int. 2015 Jan 27.
