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Orthox Ltd. is a technology company.
Orthox Ltd. is a medical device company specializing in the development of advanced tissue regenerative implants. Its core product addresses significant cartilage injuries, particularly those presenting with early osteoarthritis. The company's technology focuses on orthopaedic tissue repair, aiming to treat challenging injuries to cartilage and other hard-to-heal human tissues through innovative biological solutions.
Orthox was founded in 2008 by Dr. Nick Skaer. The company's origins are rooted in over two decades of research conducted at Oxford University, where Dr. Skaer's foundational work laid the groundwork for advanced orthopaedic tissue repair. His insights into regenerative approaches for complex cartilage damage spurred the creation of Orthox, transitioning academic innovation into practical medical solutions for patients.
The company's implants are primarily intended for patients suffering from substantial cartilage damage, offering novel solutions for conditions that often precede or involve early osteoarthritis. Orthox envisions a future where injuries to cartilage and other complex, difficult-to-heal tissues are treated more effectively, ultimately transforming the landscape of orthopaedic repair and significantly improving patient outcomes in this critical area.
Orthox Ltd. has raised $16.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Orthox Ltd. has raised $16.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Orthox Ltd. has raised $16.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Orthox Ltd.'s investors include Parkwalk Advisors, Rajnesh Airey, Oxford Technology and Innovations, Perivoli Innovations.
Orthox Ltd. is a UK-based medical device company developing FibroFix™, a silk-based tissue regenerative implant to repair damaged cartilage in knees and other orthopaedic injuries. Founded in 2008 from Oxford University research, it targets patients with large cartilage defects where early osteoarthritis is present, offering rapid functional recovery, pain reduction, and long-term joint health by enabling the body's cells to integrate with the implant[1][2][3][5]. Orthox serves orthopaedic surgeons and patients facing limited treatment options, solving the problem of inadequate cartilage repair that leads to debilitating osteoarthritis—affecting over 500 million people globally and ranking as the fourth largest cause of disability[5]. The company raised over €11M ($12.5M) in Series A funding in 2022, led by Parkwalk, Oxford Technology & Innovations EIS Fund, and Additio Investment Group, to fund clinical trials at sites in Bristol, UK, and Budapest, Hungary[1].
Orthox was founded in 2008 by Dr. Nick Skaer, a life scientist with over 25 years in materials research and medtech leadership, and Professor Oliver Kessler, a knee surgeon, to commercialize silk-based technology developed at Oxford Biomaterials[2][3]. Skaer, who previously served as CSO and CEO of Oxford Biomaterials (2004-2009), authored key patents for FibroFix™ and secured early funding there before spinning out Orthox[3]. The idea emerged from over 20 years of Oxford University research into fibroin—a protein from silk fibers—processed via proprietary methods to create regenerative implants for hard-to-heal tissues like knee cartilage[3][5]. Early traction included EIT Health support via its 2020 Start-up Rescue Instrument, recognizing FibroFix™'s competitive edge, culminating in the 2022 Series A close to advance clinical trials[1].
Orthox rides the wave of regenerative medicine and orthobiologics, targeting the exploding demand for cartilage repair amid rising osteoarthritis prevalence driven by aging populations and sports injuries[1][5]. Timing is ideal as global osteoarthritis cases hit 500 million, with knees accounting for over half of cartilage injuries, yet treatments remain limited—creating a market gap for innovative biomaterials like silk fibroin[5]. Favorable forces include advances in biomaterials processing, regulatory progress for implants (e.g., ongoing trials), and VC interest in medtech spinouts from academia[1][3]. Orthox influences the ecosystem by pioneering a "new paradigm" in repair, potentially reducing disability burdens and inspiring silk-tech applications in other tissues, while leveraging Oxford's biotech hub for talent and partnerships[1][3][5].
Orthox is poised for pivotal growth through clinical trial readouts from its 2022-funded studies, likely driving regulatory approvals and commercial launch of FibroFix™ in Europe and beyond. Trends like personalized orthopaedics, AI-aided surgery, and biomaterials innovation will amplify its edge, especially as osteoarthritis demand surges. Its influence may expand via US market entry (bolstered by team expertise) and potential follow-on funding, evolving from Oxford spinout to global leader in tissue regeneration—transforming "before it's too late" for millions with cartilage damage[1][3][5].
Orthox Ltd. has raised $16.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $12.0M Series A in February 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1, 2022 | $12.0M Series A | Parkwalk Advisors | Rajnesh Airey, Oxford Technology and Innovations, Perivoli Innovations |
| Apr 1, 2016 | $4.0M Series A | Parkwalk Advisors |