Life Spine responds to patent infringement lawsuit

HUNTLEY - Medical device company Life Spine Inc. Monday said it will vigorously fight allegations of patent infringement filed last week by Pennsylvania-based Globus Medical Inc.

"We will vigorously defend our company against Globus's claims," Life Spine CEO Michael Butler said in a news release.

Life Spine's ProLift Expandable Spacer System has been helping patients for the past five years and recently reached 20,000 units sold. The flagship ProLift product line continues to grow, with Life Spine having gained U.S. FDA clearance to market three new products, ProLift Lateral HELO Fixated, ProLift Wedge and ProLift micro, in this year alone, the company said.

Globus' lawsuit alleges infringement of seven different patents related to Globus Medical's expandable interbody spacer technology. The suit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, seeking injunctive relief and damages for infringement.

"We've invested tremendous effort and millions of dollars in research and development to create innovative technology to improve the lives of patients, generating over 256 patents related to expandable interbody implants alone," Dave Demski, president and CEO of Globus Medical, said in its news release.

In response, Life Spine said its portfolio now consists of more than 265 patents and applications, with over 14 expandable 510(k) clearances from the U.S. FDA and an additional 10 in the queue.