How Orthocell’s Remplir Could Transform Prostate Surgery Recovery Worldwide
Orthocell’s nerve repair device Remplir is being adopted in Australia for nerve-sparing prostate cancer surgeries, aiming to reduce erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence post-operation. This development could significantly expand Remplir’s market reach globally.
- Remplir used in ~40 nerve-sparing robotic prostate surgeries in Australia
- Targets reduction of erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence post-surgery
- Orthocell collecting clinical data and planning further research
- Strategic alignment with da Vinci Surgical System distributor supports rollout
- Expansion underway in US, Canada, and planned EU/UK regulatory submissions
A New Frontier in Prostate Cancer Surgery
Orthocell Limited (ASX – OCC) has announced a promising new application for its flagship nerve repair device, Remplir, in nerve-sparing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomies (RARP) performed by Australian urologists. This innovation aims to address two of the most debilitating complications following prostate cancer surgery – erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian men, with over 26,000 new cases reported in 2024 alone. Radical prostatectomy, the surgical removal of the prostate gland, is the primary treatment when the cancer is localized. However, despite advances such as robotic-assisted surgery, up to 80% of men experience erectile dysfunction and up to 35% suffer urinary incontinence after surgery, largely due to damage to the neurovascular bundle (NVB) surrounding the prostate.
Remplir’s Role in Protecting Nerves
Remplir, a collagen-based nerve wrap, is designed to protect and promote healing of peripheral nerves. Its use in approximately 40 nerve-sparing RARP cases in Australia has shown potential to mitigate nerve damage during surgery, which is critical for preserving sexual function and continence. Orthocell is currently gathering retrospective clinical data from these cases and plans to invest in further research and medical education to support wider adoption.
Orthocell’s CEO, Paul Anderson, highlighted the versatility of Remplir, noting its growing acceptance across multiple surgical specialties including orthopaedics and reconstructive surgery. The expansion into urology represents a significant step in broadening the device’s clinical applications and total addressable market.
Strategic Market Expansion and Financial Position
Orthocell’s strategic partnership with Device Technologies, the exclusive distributor of the da Vinci Surgical System (DVSS) in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, facilitates Remplir’s introduction to surgeons performing RARP procedures. With over 12,000 RARP surgeries performed annually in Australia alone, this alignment could accelerate Remplir’s uptake.
Financially, Orthocell is well-positioned with approximately $27 million in cash and no debt, enabling aggressive market development. The company is simultaneously advancing Remplir’s rollout in the US, a $1.6 billion nerve repair market, with ongoing hospital approvals and surgeon onboarding. Plans are also underway for launches in Canada and regulatory submissions in the EU and UK by the end of 2025.
Looking Ahead
While the initial clinical data is retrospective and pending release, the potential for Remplir to reduce the high rates of post-prostatectomy complications could represent a meaningful improvement in patient quality of life and a substantial commercial opportunity for Orthocell. The coming months will be critical as further evidence emerges and regulatory milestones are pursued.
Bottom Line?
Orthocell’s expansion of Remplir into nerve-sparing prostate surgery could redefine post-operative recovery and unlock significant market growth.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the forthcoming clinical data reveal about Remplir’s effectiveness in reducing erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence?
- How quickly can Orthocell scale Remplir’s adoption beyond Australia into the US and other major markets?
- What regulatory challenges might impact Remplir’s approval and commercial rollout in the EU and UK?
