Orthocell Ltd (ASX: OCC) is today celebrating the lifelong achievements of Professor Lars Lidgren, a Swedish surgeon, researcher, entrepreneur and Orthocell board member, who has been awarded an honorary fellowship by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
Orthocell Managing Director, Paul Anderson, said the fellowship recognises significant milestones in Professor Lidgren’s career, which has spanned more than four decades, and his positive impact on patients’ lives right across the world.
“We are so fortunate to have Professor Lidgren as a leader within our company. He is a respected board member, a primary contributor to our research efforts and a passionate advocate for the work we – and others – do globally to improve the quality of daily life,” said Mr Anderson.
Importantly too, the fellowship will support Orthocell’s research and growing suite of products entering the US.
“This is a significant achievement. The American College of Surgeons has only ever awarded nine honorary fellowships to orthopaedic surgeons since it was first established in 1913 and now Professor Lidgren is considered among the very best,” said Mr Anderson.
Professor Lidgren has been a pivotal part of Orthocell’s research and commercial development since the company was founded in 2006. He leads a productive regenerative medicine research group within the Orthopedic Department at The University Hospital of Lund in Sweden, one of the most respected in the world. He is also an honorary member and past president of several major societies.
“Professor Lidgren has personally supported innovation and start-up ventures, and has been involved in taking three successful companies to NASDAQ listings. He really is a phenomenal leader and extremely connected globally,” said Mr Anderson.
Professor Lidgren has contributed significant scientific, clinical and strategic expertise during his time working with Orthocell. In particular, he’s supported the continued validation of Celgro pre-clinically, and the expansion of Celgro’s platform in Orthopaedics as a carrier for bone active molecules and proteins.
Professor Lidgren considers the ACS honorary fellowship a coveted achievement; but said his most significant achievements rest squarely in his work driving research and advocacy to improve patient outcomes.
“I think the reason I was selected for this fellowship is because I have been the head of one of the world’s leading orthopaedic departments for a number of years, together with my efforts to initiate the worldwide Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 (BJD),” said Professor Lidgren.
“My work with companies like Orthocell has helped with evidence-based, clinical translation of my research. Cooperation with vital stakeholders, to advocate on behalf of patients and continued innovation, is needed every step of the way too.”
The BJD initiative highlights his considered approach. It was formally launched in Geneva in January 2000 to examine the global burden of musculoskeletal diseases, and is backed by WHO, the World Bank and the United Nations. It has since gained the support of 63 national governments and more than 750 national and international patient and scientific organisations, and related journals.
“Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common cause of severe long-term pain and physical disability affecting hundreds of millions of people around the world. Bone and joint diseases, for example, account for more than half of all chronic conditions in persons aged 60 years and over; and back pain is the second leading cause of sick leave. It’s vital that we continue to invest in research to ease this burden,” said Professor Lidgren.
The Orthocell team couldn’t agree more.
“On behalf of our team, investors, and commercial, research and clinical partners, I have great pleasure in congratulating Professor Lidgren on achieving an honorary fellowship from the American College of Surgeons. We look forward to continuing our work together,” said Mr Anderson.