Amedica Corp. entered into an agreement with Kyocera Industrial Ceramics Corp. to manufacture Amedica’s silicon nitride biomaterial at Kyocera’s Vancouver, Wash., facility.

The FDA-cleared silicon nitride has the potential to promote bone growth defend against infection. Devices made from silicon nitride are semi-radiolucent with clearly visible boundaries, enabling an exact view of intra-operative placement and postoperative fusion assessment via common imaging modalities, according to a press release.

The deal is expected to help Amedica meet demand for the technology, including spinal interbody devices. Amedica has sold over 14,000 of these devices worldwide, according to a company statement.

“There is an unmet need for advanced biomaterials in orthopedics and spine," Amedica president & CEO Eric Olson said in prepared remarks. "We are seeing an increasing interest for our silicon nitride interbody devices and increased interest in this material for use in other applications and want to ensure a consistent supply for surgeons and more importantly, patients."