Originally Published MX March/April 2006

BUSINESS NEWS

Kyphon Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA), a manufacturer of medical devices to restore spinal function using minimally invasive techniques, and an orthopedic surgeon have jointly filed suit against Medtronic Sofamor Danek (Memphis), the spinal business unit of Medtronic Inc. (Minneapolis). The suit, unsealed in mid January, alleges that Medtronic stole trade secrets surrounding inventions for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures. The complaint claims the inventions were developed by Harvinder Sandhu, MD, who recently granted their exclusive license to Kyphon for $20 million.

"We believe this complaint is without merit," said Pete Wehrly, Medtronic corporate vice president and president of Medtronic's spinal and surgical navigation divisions. "We believe patients benefit when there is competition in the marketplace, and we will defend our right to be in this segment of the spine market."