Scientists developing SIRAKOSS MaxSi Graft technology, a material that mimics bone, have won a major prize that takes their pioneering product a step closer to being used in patients.

The technology, which produces purely synthetic material, with no variability in performance, has the potential to treat many thousands of patients who need spinal fusion surgery for back pain, or repairs for bone injuries. The technology can also be considered for applications in dental surgery. The advances seen in early bone formation, for procedures such as ridge augmentation, are a step change from the use of bovine or cadaveric materials and there is potential to deliver this early bone formation in weeks, not months, without the need to harvest bone marrow aspirate or use pharmacological compounds.

The innovation has won SIRAKOSS, a University of Aberdeen spin-out company, the £25,000 Venture Prize from The Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers. Funding from the prize will help bring the unique synthetic bone material closer to market.

The Prize will progress efforts in achieving regulatory approval for clinical use. The aim is to have MaxSi Graft technology approved for use in patients in two years' time.