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Amedica's Silicon Nitride Performed 400% Better Than PEEK in Recent Cell Adhesion Study

Amedica Corporation (Nasdaq:AMDA), a company that develops and commercializes silicon nitride ceramics as a biomaterial platform, is pleased to announce a collaboration with Celling Biosciences, a leader in autologous cellular therapy technologies, to research and develop biologically enhanced implants. As part of the initial phase of the collaboration, Celling Biosciences' team of scientists produced research indicating mesenchymal stem cells can be optimized and proliferate when using silicon nitride compared to the current PEEK and titanium biomaterial standards.

Results from the recent in vivo scientific study show that Amedica's proprietary silicon nitride composition significantly outperformed PEEK in attachment testing of mesenchymal stem cells. Amedica's unique silicon nitride biomaterial contains natural nano-surface topography and chemistry that play an active role in implant integration, which current trends in surface modification efforts have not replicated.  The results of the study suggest the microenvironment of silicon nitride promotes better cell adhesion and compatibility with five times greater cell adhesion as compared to the PEEK material used.

With the initial research phase completed, Celling Biosciences will then translate the early findings to clinical trials in spinal and orthopedic applications. This collaborative research will further define the clinical advantages of silicon nitride in combination with stem cell-based therapies. Based on further scientific findings, the intellectual property from both partners could be leveraged to create innovative solutions that promote a robust nanotechnology.

"The initial findings by Celling Biosciences further validate the unique benefits of our medical-grade silicon nitride technology platform," said Dr. Sonny Bal, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to continued research and future publications to underscore the favorable cell adhesion properties of silicon nitride, which are paramount to rapid bone fusion and improved patient outcomes."

"As an industry, we continue to strive for innovation beyond current standards and Celling Biosciences has always focused on innovating standards of the future," stated Mr. Kevin Dunworth, Chief Executive Officer of Celling Biosciences. "Current trends show many evolutions of surface modifications and surface treatments around PEEK and titanium, but we believe Amedica's proprietary technology is the future progression of biologically enhanced implants. Coupled with our ability to process tissue and apply those cells to cell-centric materials, such as silicon nitride, we look forward to further collaboration and optimizing the environment for healing." 

About Amedica Corporation

Amedica is focused on the development and application of interbody implants manufactured with medical-grade silicon nitride ceramic. Amedica markets spinal fusion products and is developing a new generation of wear- and corrosion-resistant implant components for hip and knee arthroplasty as well as dental applications. The Company's products are manufactured in its ISO 13485 certified manufacturing facility and through its partnership with Kyocera, one of the world's largest ceramic manufacturers. Amedica's spine products are FDA-cleared, CE-marked, and are currently marketed in the U.S. and select markets in Europe and South America through its distributor network and its growing OEM and private label partnerships.

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