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Chronic low back pain is the world’s greatest clinical unmet need. Ninety-two percent of adults will experience it at some point, and it has become the leading cause of time lost to disability worldwide. In fact, a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that the United States spends more on back pain than on any of the other 154 health conditions it tracked.
Yet despite its staggering prevalence and cost, treatment options remain unsatisfactory—swinging between conservative care that gives rarely more than temporary relief, and invasive surgeries that many patients understandably want to avoid.
That’s where ORTHOSON, a spin-out from the University of Oxford, is stepping in. The company has developed an injectable, bio-structural implant designed to provide durable relief in a way that is minimally invasive, safe, and cost-effective.
At the helm is Rich Simmonds, Chief Executive Officer of ORTHOSON Ltd., who joined the company as employee number one back in 2019. With a background in international commercial leadership at Orthofix and Terumo, as well as experience in smaller MedTech ventures, Simmonds brought both big-picture strategy and an appreciation for the challenges of start-up life.
“I took the tough decision to pivot from our original technology and focus solely on a novel approach to implants: our injectable, in-situ forming biomaterial,” he shares. “The focus has always been on people suffering every day with back pain for whom the current treatment options are inadequate.”
At the core of ORTHOSON’s innovation is an injectable, in-situ forming bio-structural implant for patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) who have exhausted conservative care but want to avoid invasive surgery. Delivered through a tiny needle under X-ray guidance, the implant forms a root-like, interdigitating network inside the disc.
The technology is developed to work on two fronts: it provides mechanical restoration while also supporting long-term disc health by offering sustained hydration and a cellular scaffold. Pre-clinical studies suggest added benefits, including reduced inflammation and the growth of new cells within the implant.
Crucially, the procedure is designed to be as safe and cost-effective as existing conservative treatments. Patients undergo only sedation, and the procedure can be completed as a day case, offering the promise of durable pain relief without the risks of invasive surgery.
Simmonds is quick to highlight the people behind the science. “My CTO was also the founder-CTO of Organox, which went on to a $1.5 billion acquisition this year,” he says. “Between us, we lead a talented team of 12 engineers and scientists based in Oxford, all global experts in their field.”
This team has already secured FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for their implant—a milestone that not only validates ORTHOSON’s approach but also creates a more collaborative pathway with the FDA and potential reimbursement advantages in the US once the device is approved.
Currently, ORTHOSON is conducting long-term in-vivo implantation trials in collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College in London and the University of Pennsylvania. Alongside this, the company is building GMP manufacturing capabilities to support its first human trials.
“We’ve raised more than $5M million of the $15 million needed to reach first-in-human trials,” Simmonds explains. “From our relationships with both Strategics and large institutional VC, that milestone will bring significant new investor interest. We’ve previously raised over $14 million and we are on track to complete that $15 million round in early 2026.”
From its academic roots at Oxford and Sheffield Hallam University (both UK) to collaborations with US clinicians, regulators, and commercial advisors, ORTHOSON is leveraging a broad network to accelerate its journey. Strategic MedTech companies—potential acquirers in the future—are already providing valuable guidance.
The long-term vision is ambitious: to establish ORTHOSON as the next European MedTech unicorn, offering a safe and durable solution to the millions who’s quality of life is impacted by back pain from DDD.
As ORTHOSON prepares to present at MedTech Malta 2025, Simmonds is eager to connect with global stakeholders. “We have a novel and unique solution to one of the great health challenges of our time. And we have a hell of a team assembled to deliver it,” he says.
He also sees real value in international gatherings like MedTech Malta. “The meeting stands out as a uniquely intimate event, ideal for building lasting connections. To create a dream-team of support, you need to meet the most ambitious and talented people, and that’s who you find here.”
The company’s mission is clear: deliver a treatment that is safe, effective, and cost-efficient while addressing one of the world’s greatest clinical challenges. For patients, it could mean relief from pain without the risks of invasive surgery. With first-in-human trials on the near-horizon and momentum building, ORTHOSON is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation spine care.
Be part of MedTech Malta 2025, where global medtech leaders, innovators, investors, and clinicians come together to explore the latest breakthroughs and trends in healthcare. Join two days of engaging panels, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities designed to spark collaboration and meaningful connections. Secure your spot today and be part of the conversations driving progress in medical technology.
