Celling Biosciences subsidiary Celling Spine said today that it acquired the Link Spine assets from Link Orthopedics for an undisclosed amount.

Austin, Texas-based Celling Spine said it plans to develop a “biologically enhanced” spinal fusion system using its in-house cell-based biologics and the Link Spine fusion system.

“We have always maintained that the future of medicine will rely on cells and the environment in tissue restoration and regeneration that cells play a part. With the addition of the Link product portfolio we are able to rely on an innovative spinal fusion system that gives the cells everything it needs to optimize the fusion,” Celling founder Kevin Dunworth said in prepared remarks.

“The system was specifically designed to advance less invasive spine surgery and utilize the latest advances in surface materials to complement advanced, cell-based biologics like those already in Celling’s portfolio. The modular platform is designed for minimally invasive fusions, more maximally open spine fusion procedures, and everything in between,” added Dr. Christopher Chaput, who helped design the Link Spine system and was tapped to help Celling develop its spine product. “Importantly, the system also dramatically improves the surgeons’ ability to perform less-invasive surgery from a traditional midline approach but use incisions that are as small or smaller than what is considered minimally invasive.”

That enables surgeons to use the smallest exposure for each patient, with a minimal learning curve compared to traditional MIS procedures, Chaput said. The surgical plan can be modified on the fly, he said.

“This combination increased options for ‘graded’ fixation and implants that complement cell-based healing technologies may be particularly attractive in an ASC or short stay setting,” Chaput said.