Amedica inks exclusive Chinese silicon nitride distro deal

Amedica (NSDQ:AMDA) said today it signed an exclusive distribution deal with Chinese medical device company Shandong Weigao Orthopedic Device Company Limited.

The deal gives Weigao Orthopedic exclusive rights to sell, market and distribute Amedica’s silicon nitride spinal implants in the People’s Republic of China.

“With more than 50,000 minimum unit sales to occur within the first two years following CFDA clearance, this agreement far surpasses total silicon nitride unit sales to-date, and marks a momentous time for Amedica. This partnership with Weigao Orthopedic allows us to significantly increase our global sales footprint with a large-scale distribution partner who is familiar with the Chinese regulatory landscape. Weigao Orthopedic’s expertise in sales and distribution is an excellent fit for our innovative silicon nitride technology platform. We look forward to this key strategic partnership to distribute our silicon nitride technology into Asian markets that are particularly receptive to bioceramic implants,” CEO Dr. Sonny Bal said in a press release.

Weigao Orthopedic, a subsidiary of Shangdong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Company limited, specializes in research & development and production of spine, trauma and joint orthopedic implants, Salt Lake City, Utah-based Amedica said.

“We are very pleased with this exclusive distributor partnership as we plan to leverage the Amedica brand to offer a truly differentiated product to our broad network of hospitals and medical units in China. We expect the combination of this technically advanced biomaterial with our well-established network to quickly gain significant market share. We also look forward to expanding our partnership beyond spine products and into hip and knee applications. Weigao Orthopedic is well positioned to facilitate the approval and commercial launch of Amedica’s silicon nitride spinal fusion devices in one of the world’s largest healthcare markets,” Weigao Orthopedic CEO Mr. Gong Jianbo said in a prepared release.

With the agreement, Weigao will abide by a minimum annual purchase requirement for the 1st year of 20,000 units, growing to 50,000 units after 5 years, after the company receives clearance from the China Food and Drug Administration, Amedica said.

Last January, Amedica saw shares slump after the company said it laid off 28% of its workforce as part of an improvement plan.

Amedica said it had cut 25 workers as of Jan. 8, 2015, as it looked to lower its overhead by about 35% and cut manufacturing costs by 25%. The moves were aimed at generating annual savings of $6 million to $8 million and achieving break-even cash flow by the 2nd half of 2016, according to a press release.