Active Implants’ VENUS Clinical Trial for Persistent Knee Pain Now Underway in Memphis

OrthoMemphis Only Site in the South – and One of 10 Sites Nationwide
– Enrolling Patients in New Study of Investigational NUsurface® Meniscus
Replacement

MEMPHIS, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Active Implants, a Memphis-based company that develops orthopedic
implant solutions, today announced that the company’s VENUS
(Verification of the Effectiveness of the NUsurface® System) trial is
now underway at OrthoMemphis. OrthoMemphis is the only center in the
South – and just one of 10 sites nationwide – participating in the VENUS
clinical trial to evaluate the Active Implants’ NUsurface (pronounced
“new surface”) investigational meniscus implant for the treatment of
persistent knee pain caused by injured or deteriorating meniscus
cartilage.

The meniscus is a tissue pad between the thigh and shin bones. Once
damaged, the meniscus has a very limited ability to heal. Over 1 million
partial meniscectomies to remove or repair a torn meniscus are performed
in the U.S. every year, about the same as the total number of hip and
knee replacement surgeries combined. However, many patients still
experience persistent knee pain following meniscus surgery. NUsurface is
being evaluated as a new treatment option to fill the gap between
minimally invasive meniscus repair and total knee replacement.

“There aren’t many options for patients who experience persistent knee
pain following meniscus surgery,” said Dr. Randall Holcomb, orthopedic
surgeon at OrthoMemphis. “Damage to the meniscus can lead to arthritis
and the need for knee replacement surgery. We hope this study finds that
the NUsurface implant alleviates pain in these patients, as well as
helps them delay or avoid knee replacement surgery.”

The VENUS study will enroll approximately 130 patients at orthopedic
centers in the U.S., Europe and Israel. Participants who meet study
requirements and agree to enter the trial are randomized to receive
either the NUsurface device or non-surgical treatment, which is the
current standard of care for patients with persistent knee pain
following meniscus surgery.

“We are excited to have OrthoMemphis – a leader in orthopedic care
throughout the Southern states that is conveniently located in our back
yard – participating in the VENUS study,” said Henry Klyce, chief
executive officer of Active Implants, which established its U.S.
headquarters in Memphis in 2004. “There is a large, unmet need in the
orthopedic market for a new treatment option for the many patients who
continue to suffer from knee pain even after undergoing meniscus
surgery.”

To be eligible for the study, participants must be between the ages of
30 and 75 and have pain after medial meniscus surgery that was performed
at least six months ago. To learn more about the study, visit or call
(844) 680-8951 or visit www.meniscus-trial.com.

About the NUsurface® Meniscus Implant

In the U.S., the NUsurface® Meniscus Implant, from Active Implants LLC,
is an investigational treatment for patients with persistent knee pain
following medial meniscus surgery. NUsurface is made from medical grade
plastic and, as a result of its unique materials, composite structure
and design, does not require fixation to bone or soft tissue. The
NUsurface device mimics the function of the natural meniscus and
redistributes loads transmitted across the knee joint. It is inserted
into the knee joint through a small incision, and patients typically can
go home soon after the operation. After surgery, patients undergo a
six-week rehabilitation program. NUsurface has been used clinically in
Europe since 2008 and Israel since 2012.

About Active Implants LLC

Active Implants LLC develops orthopedic implant solutions that
complement the natural biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system,
allowing patients to maintain or return to an active lifestyle. Active
Implants is privately held with headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee.
European offices are in Driebergen, The Netherlands, with R&D facilities
in Netanya, Israel. For more information, visit www.activeimplants.com.

About OrthoMemphis

OrthoMemphis’ team of 19 doctors provides surgical and non-surgical
treatment in general orthopedic and subspecialty areas of sports
medicine, spine, hand, foot & ankle, hip & knee, total joint
replacement, treatments of bone and soft tumors of the extremities
(benign and malignant) in children and adults, and workers’ compensation
injuries. For more information, go to http://www.orthomemphis.com/.

CAUTION Investigational device. Limited by United States law to
investigational use.

Contacts

Merryman Communications
Joni Ramirez, 323-532-0746
joni@merrymancommunications.com