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Zimmer Biomet New System Gets FDA Nod, to Boost Spine Wing

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Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.  (ZBH - Free Report) recently announced the receipt of 510(k) clearance from the FDA for its Zyston Strut Open Titanium Interbody Spacer System, which is expected to revitalize the Spine division. Notably, the product is the company’s first titanium spinal implant to be built using the 3D printing technology.

Zyston Strut Open Titanium System in Details

The Zyston Strut Open Titanium System is a family of lumbar cages which are available in various sizes to meet patient’s requirements. Further, this system has been developed to increase the strength, capacity of the graft and visualization of the interbody spacer in spinal fusion cases. It also encompasses surgical instruments which enable insertion, manipulation and elimination of the implants.

What is 3D Printing Technology?

Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing is the process of turning a digital model into a solid three-dimensional physical object by adding material layer by layer (per an article on 3D Hubs). Further, 3D printing has also received a warm response from the MedTech space within healthcare. Notably, research firm Future Market Insights expects the global 3D printed medical devices market to see a CAGR of 18.1% between 2017 and 2027.

Zimmer Biomet’s latest offering Zyston Strut Open Titanium System, which is built using the 3D printing process, will allow physicians to develop a unique cage architecture that will maximize graft volume before implantation.

In 2016, Zimmer Biomet had announced the receipt of 510(k) clearance for the Unite3D Bridge Fixation System, under its Foot & Ankle business. Notably, this innovative product was a result of the combination of the company’s OsseoTi porous metal technology and the 3D printing process.

A Glimpse at the Spine Division

Zimmer Biomet’s Spine, Craniomaxillofacial and Thoracic (Spine & CMF) segment revenues were down 3.8% at CER in the first quarter of 2018. The company has been facing revenue dissynergies related to its U.S. spine sales force integration. 

Meanwhile, we are upbeat about the recent FDA nod that is expected to expand the company’s lumbar spacers portfolio, which includes PEEK-Optima, Trabecular Metal Technology and allograft. We note that, Zimmer Biomet has been gaining from a strong uptake of Mobi-C Cervical Disc.

Also, the company recently launched products like the Avenue T TLIF Cage as well as Vitality + and Vital Spinal Fixation Systems in the United States.

Market Potential

Per a report by Market Research Future, we can safely conclude that this latest development will help Zimmer Biomet to cash in on the opportunities in the spinal implants markets. According to the report, the global spinal implants market is expected to see a CAGR of roughly 5.5% between 2017 and 2023.

Price Performance

Over the past three months, Zimmer Biomet has been observed to underperform its industry. The stock has declined 5.8% compared with 3.1% rise of the industry. We believe the latest FDA 510(k) approval may boost investor’s faith in the stock.

 

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

Zimmer Biomet currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

A few better-ranked stocks in the broader medical sector are Intuitive Surgical (ISRG - Free Report) , Illumina, Inc (ILMN - Free Report) and Amedisys, Inc. (AMED - Free Report) . While Intuitive Surgical and Illumina sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Amedisys carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Intuitive Surgical has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 12.1%.

Illumina has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 20%.

Amedisys has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 17.5%.

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