April 18, 2008 - Tornier Inc. and Tepha Inc. said an initial series of patients have been treated with the TephaFLEX Absorbable Suture.
These procedures, performed by several orthopedic surgeons in the U.S. represent the first human usage of an FDA-cleared device derived from Tepha’s new class of resorbable polymers characterized by a profile of mechanical and biologic properties. Tornier and Tepha, based in Lexington, MA, have recently expanded their collaboration which was established in early 2007. The two companies are developing a range of Tepha polymer-based devices that will target soft tissue repair opportunities within extremities orthopedics.
The TephaFLEX Absorbable Suture is derived from a new class of polymers called polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA’s). The Tepha PHA family of polymers is a product of its patented recombinant DNA technology, which allows the engineering of materials with mechanical and biologic properties that are matched to specific tissue repair and replacement applications. The TephaFLEX Absorbable Monofilament Suture is reportedly up to 30 percent stronger, more flexible and has better strength retention than currently marketed resorbable sutures.
“The promise of a stronger degradable material with the potential for less inflammatory response is a distinct advantage,” said Randy R. Bindra, M.D., professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Loyola University Medical Center.
For more information: www.tornier-us.com
March 02, 2026 
