OSSTEC Targets US Market with Next-Gen Cementless Knee System

LONDON, UK – February 27, 2026 – UK-based orthopaedics innovator OSSTEC is making a significant, strategic push into the world's largest medical device market, announcing a multi-pronged initiative to establish its presence in the United States. The company, which develops next-generation cementless knee replacement technology, has appointed seasoned orthopaedics executive Dr. Nick Pachuda to its Board of Directors, established US-based operations under commercial lead Christopher Campbell, and secured a new round of funding to fuel its expansion ahead of a planned US product launch.

The moves signal a pivotal moment for the company, founded on research from Imperial College London, as it prepares to seek regulatory clearance for its flagship product, the ASCENT cementless partial knee system. By building a robust American infrastructure before its product even hits the market, OSSTEC is betting that its technology can capture a meaningful share of a rapidly evolving and highly lucrative industry.

A Calculated Play for a Lucrative Market

OSSTEC's entry into the US is a calculated move targeting a specific and growing segment of the orthopaedics landscape. The global market for partial knee arthroplasty, valued at over $1.3 billion in 2024, is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%, with North America representing the dominant share. Within this, the US market is the clear prize, driven by an aging population, the high prevalence of osteoarthritis affecting over 32 million adults, and patient demand for less invasive surgical options.

While total knee replacements remain more common, partial knee replacements are the fastest-growing procedure segment. They offer patients with arthritis confined to a single knee compartment a bone-sparing alternative that can lead to shorter recovery times and a more natural-feeling joint. This is particularly relevant for the growing demographic of younger, more active patients who require durable, long-lasting solutions. It is precisely this challenge of long-term fixation and durability that OSSTEC aims to address.

“The US represents the largest and most strategically important market in orthopaedics,” said Max Munford, PhD, Founder and CEO of OSSTEC, in a statement. “We are building more than a product launch. We are building a US-centred platform for surgeon engagement, strategic partnership, and scalable growth that will support ASCENT’s commercial success.”

The Cementless Revolution in Knee Repair

At the heart of OSSTEC’s strategy is its ASCENT system and the broader industry trend away from traditional bone cement. For decades, the standard for securing knee implants was a grout-like polymethylmethacrylate cement. While effective, this method carries risks of cement degradation over time and can complicate future revision surgeries. Cementless technology, by contrast, utilizes implants with porous, 3D-printed surfaces that encourage the patient’s own bone to grow into and integrate with the device, creating a durable, biological fixation.

This approach is gaining significant traction. As of 2023, cementless fixation was used in over 22% of total knee replacements in the US, a figure expected to rise dramatically. OSSTEC's ASCENT system employs patented 3D-printing technology to create a lattice structure that mimics natural bone, designed to promote stable initial fixation and robust long-term bone ingrowth. The goal is to improve implant longevity, streamline the surgical workflow for surgeons, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

The company’s focus on a partial cementless knee is also strategic. While major players have established cementless total knee systems, the partial knee space has seen slower innovation. This provides a potential opening for a focused company like OSSTEC to establish itself as a leader in a specialized, high-growth niche.

Navigating a Crowded and Regulated Field

Despite the technological promise, OSSTEC faces a formidable path. The US orthopaedics market is dominated by established giants like Zimmer Biomet, Stryker, and Smith+Nephew, all of which have their own cementless offerings. Notably, Zimmer Biomet recently gained a significant head start, receiving FDA approval in late 2024 for its Oxford Cementless Partial Knee, the first of its kind to be approved in the US, which already boasts a long and successful track record in Europe.

To compete, OSSTEC must not only prove its technology is effective but also navigate the stringent US regulatory process. The company is currently preparing for its submission to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a process supported by the new funding round led by London-based Embryo Ventures. This capital will be critical for funding the clinical studies and data collection required for regulatory clearance, which will likely follow a rigorous Premarket Approval (PMA) pathway similar to that of its competitors.

Dr. Arash Moavenian, Chief Executive of Embryo Ventures, expressed confidence in the company's direction. “The company has demonstrated disciplined execution across technology, IP, and regulatory strategy to advance knee replacement surgery for improved patient outcomes,” he stated. “With strengthened US leadership and governance, OSSTEC is now well-positioned to enter the US market.”

Building a US Foundation with Veteran Leadership

Recognizing that technology alone does not guarantee market success, OSSTEC’s most immediate strategy is building a team with deep US market expertise. The appointment of Dr. Nick Pachuda as a Non-Executive Director is a cornerstone of this effort. With over three decades of senior executive experience at major orthopaedic firms, Dr. Pachuda brings invaluable knowledge in scaling commercial operations and forging strategic partnerships in the American healthcare system.

“OSSTEC represents the kind of focused, surgeon-led innovation that drives meaningful change in orthopaedics,” Dr. Pachuda commented. “I look forward to supporting the team as they establish their US footprint, deepen surgeon engagement, and build strategic partnerships that position ASCENT for long-term success.”

Leading the on-the-ground efforts is Christopher Campbell, who will head the newly established US operations. His team is already focused on building a network of key opinion leader (KOL) surgeons and establishing relationships with hospitals and clinical partners. This pre-launch engagement is crucial for gathering feedback, refining surgical techniques with the company’s CLARITY instrumentation system, and ensuring a receptive market once FDA clearance is achieved.