Orthopedics This Week presents 2010 Spine Technology Awards to Axial Biotech

Axial Biotech, Inc., a company revolutionizing spine care through the development of molecular diagnostic technologies, was selected as a winner at the 2010 Spine Technology Awards. Sponsored by Orthopedics This Week, the largest weekly publication in the spine industry, the 2010 Spine Technology Awards received submissions from hundreds of outstanding technologies. Robin Young, the Publisher of Orthopedics This Week, presented the award to Axial Biotech during an awards ceremony held last night, in advance of the North American Spine Society Meeting in Orlando, Florida

Axial Biotech's award winning product, ScoliScore™AIS Prognostic Test, won in the diagnostics category. The ScoliScore test is the first-ever genetic test for patients diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). This new molecular diagnostic tool marks a major advancement in which medical treatments can be personalized to patients diagnosed with this deforming disease.

ScoliScore™ was developed by utilizing a genome wide association study that identified a panel of genetic markers associated with severe curve progression. The scoliosis research used in the development of this test included collecting DNA samples from over 10,000 patients from over 100 IRB approved clinical sites throughout the world. The test was then further validated in three separate clinical trials.

The Spine Technology Awards were judged according to their likelihood to advance the care of spine care and treatment using innovative and new technologies. The 30-surgeon panel of judges was selected for their clinical experience and independence -- none were affiliated with the winning technologies. Since treating spinal disorders is one of the most complex medical problems, new technologies have historically played a significant role in advancing the cause of patient care.

Speaking at the awards gala, Orthopedics This Week Publisher Robin Young said, "The spine industry relies on the inspiration and perspiration of researchers, engineers and surgeon-inventors to improve outcomes and control costs. Most of these innovators are little known, so we are proud to provide these awards and a venue to recognize their great talents and contributions."

John Climaco, Axial Biotech's President and CEO accepted the award on behalf of the company. "We are honored to have won the 2010 Spine Technology Award for diagnostics," said Mr. Climaco.  "I am pleased that the distinguished panel of surgeon experts, recognized the unique value of ScoliScore™. Winning the Spinal Technology Award represents tremendous validation for all of the hard work of Axial's employees and all of the surgeons and their staff who participated in the development of this beneficial new technology."