ZygoFix, a portfolio company of The Trendlines Group Ltd., a leading Israel- and Singapore-based investment group focused on high-growth medical and agrifood technologies, has completed a $2 million round for its alternative solution to spinal fusion for sufferers of severe back pain.
The funding round was led by Agriline (a trust of which Vincent Tchenguiz is a discretionary beneficiary) and Trendlines. Additional private investors and the Israel Innovation Authority also provided funding. The investment will be used to conduct further clinical studies, enhance the system implant and tools, and regulatory clearance.
ZygoFix’s zLOCK is a miniature screwless implant that provides spinal stability and fusion. zLOCK is the least invasive, simplest fusion option; it replaces complex screw stabilization, the current gold-standard used in such procedures. The ZygoFix zLOCK implant’s patented bendable features enable adjustment to specific joints’ shapes during insertion.
ZygoFix’s first clinical case in Israel was performed by Dr. Lior Merom at the Rambam Health Care Campus. The surgery included laminotomy and facet stabilization using two zLOCK implants for treating back pain (facet arthritis) and spinal nerve compression (foraminal stenosis). The surgery was completed successfully in less than 30 minutes.
Dr. Merom said: “The simple and very low-risk placement of the zLOCKs make it an attractive stabilization solution for suitable indications. We look forward to collecting more data as the study progresses.”
Ofer Levy, CEO, ZygoFix, said: “Our technology rethinks spinal stability. We leverage the natural anatomical structure of the spine and insert the zLOCK implant which locks the motion in the joint. We are very satisfied with this first case in Israel as zLOCK adds a new treatment option to the surgeon’s toolbox. Its unique ability to perform internal facet fixation with a minimally invasive procedure enables us to treat pathologies that were too complex and invasive to treat otherwise.”
