SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 26, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amedica Corporation (Nasdaq:AMDA), a commercial biomaterial company focused on silicon nitride ceramics as a material platform to develop, manufacture and sell novel medical devices, is pleased to announce that its board of directors has elected Dr. B. Sonny Bal, M.D., J.D., M.B.A., to serve as its chairman of the board of directors. Dr. Bal has served on Amedica’s board since February 2012, and is replacing Amedica’s former chairman, Dr. Max Link, Ph.D., who retired from his service on the Amedica board effective August 20, 2014. Mr. Link served as chairman of the board since October 2003.
“On behalf of the Board, we would like to welcome Dr. Sonny Bal to the role of Chairman,” said Eric Olson, CEO and President of Amedica. “Dr. Bal brings impeccable credentials, a wealth of relevant experience, and proven leadership. We are pleased that he will take a more active leadership role in building awareness and adoption of our proprietary silicon nitride technology.”
Dr. Bal is Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Missouri, Columbia, specializing in joint replacement surgery and ceramic bearings. He also is an Adjunct Professor of Material Sciences at the University of Missouri at Rolla. Dr. Bal is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, and the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons. He is a life member of the International Society of Technology in Arthroplasty, and serves on the editorial board of several peer-refereed orthopaedic journals. He has published extensively on the biomedical applications of silicon nitride ceramics, and continues that work, with presentations at scientific forums worldwide. In addition to guiding Amedica on the commercialization of silicon nitride ceramic, Dr. Bal also leads the Company’s Adult Reconstructive and Spine Medical Advisory Boards.
Dr. Bal received his M.D. from Cornell University, an M.B.A. from Northwestern University, a J.D. degree from the University of Missouri, and achieved fellowship in joint replacement at Harvard University. He is also a licensed attorney who co-founded the BalBrenner law firm in North Carolina.
“I would like to thank the Board for this opportunity at an exciting time of the Company’s growth,” commented Dr. Bal, Chairman of the Board. “It is an honor to follow Max Link, who has been an integral force in the early development of Amedica, and a valued mentor on the Board. I look forward to building upon his legacy as we build shareholder value through our relationships in the healthcare sector, and executing our strategic vision.”
About Amedica Corporation
Amedica is a company focused on the development and application of medical-grade silicon nitride ceramics. Amedica markets spinal fusion products and is developing a new generation of orthopaedic bearings for hip and knee arthroplasty. Amedica operates an ISO 13485 certified manufacturing facility and its spine products are FDA cleared, CE marked, and currently marketed in the U.S. and select markets in Europe and South America.
The Company’s web site for news releases and other information is www.amedica.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include the intent, belief or current expectations of Amedica and members of its management team with respect to Amedica’s future business operations as well as the assumptions upon which such statements are based. Forward-looking statements include specifically, but are not limited to, Amedica’s market opportunities, growth, future products, market acceptance of its products, sales and financial results and such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as the timing and success of new product introductions, physician acceptance, endorsement, and use of Amedica’s products, regulatory matters, competitor activities, changes in and adoption of reimbursement rates, potential product recalls, effects of global economic conditions and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated within this press release can also be found in Amedica’s Risk Factors disclosure in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 31, 2014, and in Amedica’s other filings with the SEC. Amedica disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
CONTACT: Mike Houston
Director of Investor Relations
801-839-3534
mhouston@amedica.com
