September 3, 2008 »»» Triathlon Medical Ventures Adds New Company to Portfolio — Expanding Orthopedics, Inc. Offers Broad Platform of Cutting-edge Technology

Triathlon Medical Ventures has expanded its portfolio of life science companies with the inclusion of Expanding Orthopedics, Inc. (EOI), a later-stage company whose orthopedic devices target a large and growing market. The Memphis-based company's first two products - for spine and trauma applications -- are expected to launch in 2009.

"We are really pleased to add EOI to our portfolio of investments," said Triathlon managing partner Carrie Bates. "The orthopedic device industry is continuing to have exciting growth, driven by aging baby boomers who want to stay healthy and active. EOI's double platform - for both spinal fusion and trauma surgeries - gives us two shots on goal."

Using proprietary technology, EOI is developing orthopedic implants that use expandable metal and polymer components in bone to add greater strength with reduced surgical intrusion. The devices are especially effective in patients with poor bone quality - typically individuals with osteoporosis or whose bones are thinning as a consequence of age. In the case of spinal fusion, for example, a surgeon may not wish to operate if he fears the patient's bone will not hold. EOI's pedicle screw acts almost like a molly bolt, expanding inside to firmly hold the bone, and enables surgery even for patients with poor bone quality. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 10 million Americans already have osteoporosis and another 34 million are estimated to have low bone mass - a sizeable potential market for this product.

EOI's second product, a surgical nail for fractures of long bones such as the femur, has small "thorns" that actually grab and hold onto the bone. This speeds the surgical repair procedure, eliminating the need for locking screws and second surgeries, and reducing x-ray exposures for both patient and surgeon.

"EOI is a great fit with our investment strategy," Bates said. "It falls within our Midwest investment region, it addresses an unmet need in a large and growing market, and it has a strong product pipeline with early launch promise."

EOI becomes the 16th company in Triathlon Medical Ventures Fund I. Triathlon led the $15 million Series B financing for EOI. The financing syndicate included MB Venture Partners of Memphis and Medica Venture Partners of Tel Aviv, Israel. Bates will join EOI's board of directors.

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