Orthocell’s Nerve Repair Device Used in 23 Combat Surgeries on Ukrainian Troops
Orthocell’s Remplir nerve repair device deployed in 23 surgeries on injured Ukrainian soldiers
Orthocell Limited (ASX: OCC) has announced Orthocell Remplir Ukraine Military Use across 23 surgical procedures on soldiers with combat-related nerve injuries. The collagen-based device, designed to connect, protect and cap severed nerves resulting from trauma, was deployed following a humanitarian delivery in April 2025. Surgeon feedback has been reported as “very positive” regarding the device’s clinical utility in both primary and secondary nerve repair procedures.
The deployment represents real-world validation of Remplir’s performance in a high-trauma military environment. Ukrainian surgeons were trained remotely via video by Australian orthopaedic surgeon and Orthocell Key Opinion Leader Dr Alex O’Beirne, demonstrating the accessibility of the device in challenging operational conditions.
Paul Anderson, Managing Director
“In a time where there are multiple global conflicts, the application of Remplir in trauma-related nerve injuries is highly relevant. The successful remote training of surgeons and subsequent use of the device across 23 patients reinforces its unique handling, transportability, and clinical utility as a leading collagen-based nerve repair solution.”
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What is Remplir and how does it work?
Remplir is a collagen-based medical device designed for peripheral nerve reconstruction. The product is part of Orthocell’s broader regenerative medicine portfolio, which includes devices for dental, orthopaedic and soft tissue repair applications.
The nerve repair device functions by connecting, protecting and capping severed nerves, facilitating tissue reconstruction in trauma cases. Remplir is cleared for use across multiple jurisdictions, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Hong Kong and Thailand. In Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, the device is distributed by Device Technologies Group, whilst a network of specialist distributors has been appointed for the US market.
Why battlefield conditions matter for commercial expansion
Device attributes suited to defence applications
The Ukraine deployment has demonstrated several practical features that differentiate Remplir for trauma and military medical use cases:
- Three-year shelf life
- Room temperature storage (no cold chain requirements)
- Lightweight and portable design
- Remote training capability
These attributes address logistical constraints typical in defence medical environments. The successful remote training of Ukrainian surgeons via video by Dr Alex O’Beirne demonstrates the device can be adopted in geographically isolated or conflict-affected regions without requiring in-person instruction.
Defence sector opportunity
Orthocell (ASX: OCC) has stated it is evaluating further opportunities to support ongoing and future engagement with defence organisations globally. The Ukraine case study provides tangible evidence of Remplir’s utility in major trauma applications, which may support discussions with military medical procurement bodies.
The company intends to continue engagement with Ukrainian surgeons to monitor patient outcomes and collect clinical data where possible. This information is expected to inform future discussions with defence sector stakeholders.
Orthocell has acknowledged the support of Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia, in facilitating engagement and coordination with Ukrainian medical teams.
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What this means for Orthocell investors
The deployment of Orthocell Remplir Ukraine Military Use across 23 surgical procedures validates the device’s clinical utility in extreme real-world conditions. Positive surgeon feedback reinforces Remplir’s competitive positioning within the collagen-based nerve repair category.
The announcement introduces a potential new commercial pathway distinct from Orthocell’s existing distribution relationships. Defence sector engagement represents an additional market vertical beyond the company’s established orthopaedic and dental channels.
| Region | Regulatory Status |
|---|---|
| United States | Cleared |
| Australia | Approved |
| Canada | Approved |
| Singapore | Approved |
| Hong Kong | Approved |
| Thailand | Approved |
| New Zealand | Approved |
Clinical data from the Ukraine deployment is positioned to support ongoing discussions with defence organisations globally. The successful adoption following remote instruction further demonstrates the practicality of the device in environments where traditional training may be constrained.
Orthocell’s broader product portfolio includes Striate+ for dental applications (distributed globally by BioHorizons Implant Systems Inc.) and SmrtGraft for tendon repair. The company is also advancing autologous cell therapies for tendon and cartilage regeneration, with technology transfer and FDA engagement underway to support US market entry for its tendon cell therapy programme.
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