Osteopore secures SGD 280,000 grant to advance hip implant development with Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Osteopore Limited (ASX: OSX) has secured additional grant funding to deepen its Osteopore avascular necrosis implant development collaboration with Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). The SGD 280,000 (~AUD 315,000) grant from the National Health Innovation Centre Singapore (NHIC) builds on an earlier intramural seeding grant announced in September 2025, advancing the project from Proof-of-Concept toward a Minimal Viable Product suitable for larger-scale human studies.
The 18-month project is led by Principal Investigator Dr Michael Yam, Consultant at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Clinical Director of TTSH’s Medical 3D Printing Centre. External government funding validates the clinical merit of the research whilst de-risking R&D expenditure for Osteopore (ASX: OSX), positioning the company to progress its 3D-printed bioresorbable implant technology toward potential commercialisation.
What is avascular necrosis and why does it matter for investors?
Avascular necrosis (AVN) occurs when blood supply is interrupted, leading to necrosis of bone tissue. The condition occurs predominantly at the hip joint, though it can happen at other joints as well. Patients experience pain and discomfort that worsens over time.
Without treatment, AVN can cause bone collapse at the hip joint. When this occurs, total hip replacement becomes the most effective treatment. Approximately 10% of AVN cases result in total hip replacement, representing a significant clinical burden.
The clinical need is substantial. Between 20,000 and 30,000 new AVN cases are reported in the United States each year, supporting a market opportunity projected to reach USD 10.2 billion by 2030. Growth drivers include growing AVN prevalence, increasing awareness of AVN, and earlier diagnosis.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| US new AVN cases (annual) | 20,000–30,000 |
| Cases requiring total hip replacement | ~10% |
| Global market value (2030 projected) | USD 10.2 billion |
| Market CAGR (2023–2030) | 8.5% |
The large addressable market with an 8.5% CAGR between 2023 and 2030 supports commercial potential for regenerative implant solutions targeting this condition.
How the collaboration advances Osteopore’s regenerative implant technology
The collaboration divides responsibilities to leverage each partner’s core competencies. Osteopore (ASX: OSX) contributes in-kind its design and manufacturing competencies, whilst Dr Yam’s team at TTSH provides clinical needs identification and user validation. This structure preserves Osteopore’s cash position whilst accessing external grant funding to advance product development.
The 18-month project aims to move beyond Proof-of-Concept to attain a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) that may be appropriate for prospective, larger-scale human studies. According to the announcement, the initial collaboration (September 2025) is progressing and remains on track, providing confidence in the partnership’s execution capability.
Attainment of MVP status would represent a significant de-risking event for Osteopore (ASX: OSX), positioning the implant for larger-scale clinical validation and potential regulatory pathways. The in-kind contribution model allows the company to advance its pipeline whilst external funding shoulders development costs.
The development pathway follows a structured progression:
- Initial seeding grant (September 2025) supported Proof-of-Concept studies
- Current NHIC grant targets MVP development over 18 months
- Next phase would involve prospective human studies, subject to MVP success
Management commentary
CEO Dr Yujing Lim highlighted the clinical significance of the project, noting that “We are very encouraged by the strong interest in developing a regenerative implant to treat avascular necrosis, a debilitating condition that not only causes pain and discomfort – in 10% of cases, AVN leads to total hip replacement, which is a major procedure for patients.”
Dr Lim confirmed the company “will continue to keep the market updated on the progress of this collaboration, as and when they become available.”
Dr Michael Yam emphasised the strategic importance of personalised healthcare solutions:
Dr Michael Yam, Principal Investigator
“3D customised implants will be the future of personalised healthcare, and we hope that these innovations will bring value to our patients. This technology will allow us to move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions to create implants that are specifically designed for individual patients, potentially reducing complications and enhancing long-term care outcomes.”
Investment thesis and next steps
The collaboration demonstrates Osteopore’s (ASX: OSX) ability to attract external validation and government-backed funding for its 3D-printed bioresorbable technology platform. The NHIC grant signals confidence in the clinical viability of the Osteopore avascular necrosis implant development programme from an independent funding body.
Partnership with a major Singapore hospital strengthens credibility for future regulatory submissions and commercialisation pathways. The 18-month timeline provides a clear catalyst window for investors monitoring development progress. Success in AVN could open additional joint applications for Osteopore’s scaffold technology across other orthopaedic indications.
The AVN implant adds to Osteopore’s regenerative medicine pipeline, broadening the company’s addressable market beyond existing applications. The USD 10.2 billion projected market opportunity by 2030 supports commercial potential if clinical development proceeds successfully.
Key investor takeaways from the announcement:
- SGD 280,000 grant secured from NHIC to advance AVN implant development
- 18-month development timeline toward Minimal Viable Product
- Targets USD 10.2 billion AVN treatment market opportunity (2030 projection)
- In-kind contribution model preserves Osteopore’s cash position
- Builds on existing collaboration announced September 2025, which remains on track
- Government-backed funding provides external validation of clinical merit
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