Surgical devices developed by LfC are used in operating rooms around the world Shutterstock

LfC is a small life-science company from Zielona Góra that has made quite a name for itself internationally. Founded in 1989, the firm specializes in the development and production of surgical devices used in orthopedics and neurosurgery for spinal treatment.

LfC has been very active in its field globally, cooperating with leading research centers and associations, including the prestigious EuroSpine association. The important role LfC has played in EuroSpine led to the organization of EuroSpine 2009 congress in Warsaw.

Given its size, LfC decided to focus on research and development, and only sells its products within Poland. Lechosław Ciupik, the firm’s CEO and owner says LfC cannot afford a sales network abroad, and finds it more convenient to sell intellectual property (IP) and focus on new research. The business model seems to work well for the firm, which is staffed primarily by scientists.

The company’s technology, primarily the DERO Spinal System, is comprised of a set of inventions spanning the entire scope of spinal surgery. Specifically, the DERO system includes spinal implants, special surgical instruments and surgical procedures that ensure the safety of both the patient and surgeon.

Sale of IP to US firms

LfC’s most current success was the sale of intellectual property for its inSWing device to US medical company Blackstone/Orthofix.

InSWing is designed to alleviate leg and back pain suffered by individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis. The device is less invasive than others, allowing a patient to be discharged from the hospital as early as three days after spinal surgery. The fact that a company from the US (a leader in spinal implantology), purchased rights to a Polish invention added extra prestige to the transaction.

In addition, Mr Ciupik says that according to available data, the deal was the first sale of Polish intellectual property to the US in post-1945 Poland. LfC is now working on a new project, but has not disclosed any details yet.

Worldwide success

The success of LfC shows that technical innovation is alive and well in Poland. As impressive as the inventions themselves is the company’s ability to market its products and make a name for itself in the competitive international medical community. DERO and inSWing have become commonplace names in operation rooms across North and South America, Australia and Japan.

Mark Ordon