Felicia Tan Mon, Jun 20, 2022
Catalist-listed Livingstone Health has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)-listed Osteopore to further develop the utilisation of 3D-printed micro-structures for bone and tissue healing and regeneration.
The MOU will combine the expertise of Livingstone Health’s orthopaedic surgeons and Osteopore’s innovations in natural tissue regeneration. Some of the latter’s innovations include bioresorbable implants made from patented scaffolds that are 3D-printed. These scaffolds dissolve naturally over time and leaves only natural, healthy bone tissue.
According to Livingstone Health, the innovation improves surgical outcomes and lowers medical costs, as it significantly reduces post-surgery complications compared to traditional procedures such as bone grafting and permanent implants.
Within Livingstone’s orthopaedic team, two of its specialists, Dr Edwin Tan and Dr James Tan, intend to apply two of Osteopore’s products in two upcoming surgeries. The surgeries will mark the first orthopaedic application of Osteopore implants in Singapore.
Dr. Wilson Tay, CEO of Livingstone Health, says, “It is an exciting partnership which puts Livingstone Health at the forefront of orthopaedic technology and is in line with the group’s commitment to providing holistic healthcare for our patients. We look forward to working closely with Osteopore to develop cutting-edge products that accelerate healing and reduce the risk of complications patients face post-surgery.”
Mark Leong, executive chairman of Osteopore, says, “ We are pleased to be collaborating with the Livingstone Health orthopaedic team and leverage their expertise to bring our proven tissue regeneration technology to their patients. We look forward to entering the orthopaedic space in Singapore having already successfully conducted several world-first orthopaedic surgeries in Australia, where our scaffolds helped regenerate a 36cm shin bone.”
Shares in Livingstone closed at 13.8 cents on June 17.