• Greatbatch (Clarence, New York) reported the qualification of its first battery model to incorporate nanoSVO for use in implantable medical devices. This marks an advancement for the silver vanadium oxide (SVO) high-rate battery product line. nanoSVO improves cathode material homogeneity, yielding more reliable battery performance. The qualification of this cathode manufacturing process represents the integration of Greatbatch's commercialization expertise and the intellectual property gained from the acquisition of NanoGram Devices. Greatbatch makes critical components used in implantable medical devices and other technically demanding applications.

• Inovio Biomedical (San Diego) reports that the US Patent and Trademark Office has issued to Genetronics, Inovio's wholly-owned subsidiary, US Patent number 7,171,264, titled "Intradermal Delivery of Active Agents by Needle-Free Injection and Electroporation." This patent adds to Inovio's patent estate relating to the delivery of genes and drugs to a variety of tissues. It specifically claims a novel method of delivering biological material, including DNA vaccines, to skin using a needle-free method of electroporation. Electroporation uses brief, controlled electrical pulses to dramatically increase cellular uptake of a useful biopharmaceutical. Inovio Biomedical specializes in tumor ablation therapy and development of multiple DNA vaccines.

• LifeNet (Virginia Beach, Virginia) introduces the VertiGraft VG2 TLIF spine specialty allograft. This product is available for lumbar fusion surgery to treat lower back pain. VG2 spine specialty allografts feature composite cortical-cancellous- cortical construction so every allograft spacer has inherent osteoconductivity. The VertiGraft VG2 TLIF has a unique geometry that facilitates a streamlined straight-in, oblique surgical technique. It is a machined allograft composite made to promote fusion by providing both the biomechanical strength of cortical bone and the osteoconductive matrix of cancellous bone. LifeNet is a biomedical tissue banking system and a non-profit organ and tissue donation agency.

• Light Sciences Oncology (Seattle) reports the treatment of the first patient in its Phase II trial for glioma. The study objective is to demonstrate the safety of light infusion therapy (Litx) with increasing light doses in the treatment of primary or recurrent glioma — including glioblastoma and astrocytoma. Litx uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to activate LS11 (talaporfin sodium). An activated LS11 molecule results in the production of singlet oxygen molecules, which can kill target tissues with minimal side effects through vascular closure and apoptosis, or "programmed cell death." Constant illumination can activate each molecule of LS11 many times, resulting in a continuous supply of singlet oxygen molecules. Light Sciences Oncology helps to provide treatment to cancer patients.

• N Spine (San Diego) reports that it has received FDA clearance of its Nfix II dynamic pedicle screw and rod system for stabilization of the lumbar spine as an adjunct to fusion. The product is now available in the U.S. Outside of the U.S., early clinical results with the company's NFlex controlled motion system have been very favorable. NFlex is the first product to market that controls shear motion, while allowing a more physiologic level of flexion, extension and lateral bending. N Spine is a privately held spinal implant company.

• Siemens Medical Solutions (Malvern, Pennsylvania) reports the general availability of Invision MedsConnect, a clinical data content subscription service that provides clinicians with access to up to 12 months of patients' prescription histories upon admission to an inpatient acute care facility or during emergency room registration. Invision supports the JCAHO national patient safety goal for medication reconciliation while helping to streamline clinical efficiencies and improve patient safety throughout the enterprise. Invision provides clinicians with a window into a patient's home prescription history and a starting point to obtain a complete medication history. Invision makes it possible for information on the patient's prescribed medications — what the patient has been prescribed, when, and in what dose — to travel with the patient throughout the care continuum, providing a valuable information resource that empowers clinicians to make more informed patient assessments, prescribing decisions, and treatment recommendations. Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG is a supplier to the healthcare industry.

• Scient'x USA (Maitland, Florida) reports the receipt of 510K clearance to market their new Isobar LP low profile pedicle screw system. The Isobar LP offers a top-loading tulip head design with an inner locking set screw to offer more space in the construct. The screws feature a self-tapping design and are available in a wide variety of diameters and lengths for thoracic, lumbar and sacral areas. This pedicle screw system works in conjunction with the other components in the Isobar TTL system including the EASYS Crosslink and Dynamic TTL-Rod, which provides controlled micro motion in compression, distraction, flexion, extension, and rotation. Scient'x makes spinal implant technologies.

• Sirtex (Lake Forest, Illinois) reports its support of a clinical study evaluating the safety of SIR-Spheres microspheres when administered with bevacizumab, an anti-angiogenic agent, and chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with colorectal cancer that has metastasized to the liver. The FAST trial will evaluate the concurrent administration of either FOLFOX6 or FOLFIRI and bevacizumab with selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) using SIR-Spheres microspheres. SIR-Spheres microspheres are currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of unresectable metastatic liver tumors from primary colorectal cancer together with adjuvant intra-hepatic artery chemotherapy of floxuridine. Sirtex is a developer of cancer therapies.