VB Spine Partners to Fund Breakthrough Pediatric Scoliosis Genetics Research Led by Dr. Alain Moreau
VB Spine LLC, a global, family-owned spine-focused medical company, has announced a strategic partnership to fund advanced research into the molecular genetics of pediatric scoliosis. The initiative will be led by Dr. Alain Moreau at the Centre de recherche Azrieli du CHU Sainte-Justine in Montreal, Canada, a leading institution in pediatric research and translational medicine.
The collaboration marks a significant step in VB Spine’s long-term mission to advance earlier diagnosis and improved treatment pathways for spinal deformities in children, particularly idiopathic scoliosis, one of the most common spinal conditions affecting adolescents worldwide.
Advancing Early Detection in Pediatric Scoliosis
Pediatric scoliosis, especially adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, is a complex spinal deformity that typically develops during periods of rapid growth. While mild cases can often be managed with observation or bracing, more severe cases may progress rapidly, leading to significant curvature of the spine and, in advanced cases, the need for surgical intervention.
One of the major challenges in scoliosis management has been the inability to accurately predict which children will experience disease progression. Current clinical methods rely primarily on imaging and physical assessment, which often detect progression only after structural changes have already occurred.
The research led by Dr. Moreau aims to address this gap by identifying molecular biomarkers and genetic signatures in blood that may help predict the likelihood and severity of spinal curvature progression. If successful, this approach could enable clinicians to identify at-risk children much earlier in the disease course, allowing for timely and less invasive interventions.
A Long-Term Scientific Effort With Clinical Impact
Dr. Moreau’s research in scoliosis genetics spans more than two decades, beginning in 2001 with investigations into the biological mechanisms underlying idiopathic scoliosis. His early work focused on understanding whether specific biological markers could be detected in blood samples that correlate with spinal deformity progression.
By 2006, initial clinical studies had demonstrated proof of concept, providing early evidence that blood-based biomarkers could potentially serve as predictive indicators for scoliosis progression. Since then, multiple peer-reviewed studies have further strengthened the scientific foundation of this research, supporting its continued development toward clinical application.
The next phase of Dr. Moreau’s work will focus on large-scale clinical validation, regulatory preparation, and eventual translation into a commercial diagnostic tool. This includes advancing toward submission to regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with the goal of developing a clinically approved predictive test for pediatric scoliosis risk assessment.
VB Spine’s Patient-Centered Innovation Strategy
For VB Spine, the partnership reflects a broader strategy centered on patient-focused innovation in spinal care. The company emphasized that its mission begins with improving outcomes for patients by enabling earlier intervention and reducing the need for complex surgical procedures later in life.
Marc Viscogliosi, co-CEO of VB Spine, highlighted the importance of Dr. Moreau’s research in aligning with this mission. Speaking on behalf of his brothers and fellow co-CEOs Anthony and John Viscogliosi, he emphasized that early prediction of scoliosis progression could fundamentally change how clinicians manage the condition.
By identifying patients at risk before significant spinal deformity occurs, clinicians may be able to implement preventive strategies, closer monitoring, or early therapeutic interventions. This shift could significantly reduce the number of children requiring invasive surgical correction and improve long-term quality of life.
Strengthening Research Through Strategic Collaboration
The development of this research initiative has been supported through a broader collaboration involving multiple stakeholders. Axelys, an organization dedicated to technology transfer and innovation commercialization in Quebec, played a central role in structuring and facilitating the agreement.
Axelys worked alongside VB Spine, Dr. Moreau’s research team, and the Quebec Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIE) to ensure the continuity of funding and support for the next stage of scientific development. The partnership also reflects a coordinated effort to translate academic research into clinically applicable diagnostic tools with global commercialization potential.
Jesse Vincent-Herscovici, President and CEO of Axelys, noted that the agreement reflects both the scientific rigor of the research and the importance of supporting innovation pathways that can move from academic discovery to real-world healthcare applications. He emphasized that this collaboration represents a key milestone in enabling a promising Quebec-based innovation to reach international markets.
Scientific Potential of Predictive Scoliosis Testing
At the core of the research is the development of what could become the first predictive blood-based diagnostic test for scoliosis progression risk. Such a test would represent a major advancement in pediatric orthopedics by shifting care from reactive treatment to proactive risk assessment.
Dr. Moreau expressed optimism about the potential impact of this research, noting that the field is approaching a critical turning point. He highlighted the possibility that clinicians may soon be able to identify children at highest risk of developing severe scoliosis long before visible spinal changes occur.
This capability could significantly transform treatment strategies, allowing healthcare providers to intervene earlier and more effectively. It may also reduce the psychological and physical burden on patients who currently undergo prolonged monitoring or delayed treatment decisions due to uncertainty in disease progression.
Exclusive Global Commercial Rights for VB Spine
Under the terms of the agreement with the Azrieli Research Centre of CHU Sainte-Justine, Axelys, and the Quebec Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy, VB Spine will receive an exclusive worldwide license to commercialize and distribute any predictive scoliosis diagnostic tests developed through Dr. Moreau’s research.
This licensing arrangement positions VB Spine to play a central role in bringing the technology from research to global clinical practice. It also underscores the company’s commitment to investing in long-term innovation in spinal health, particularly in areas where predictive diagnostics can have the greatest impact.
By securing global commercialization rights, VB Spine aims to ensure that advancements emerging from this research can be made widely accessible to clinicians and patients around the world, once regulatory approvals are achieved.
A Step Toward Transformative Pediatric Spine Care
If successfully validated and approved, the predictive scoliosis test could represent a major breakthrough in pediatric spine care. The ability to identify disease progression risk early could lead to more personalized treatment plans, reduced reliance on surgical intervention, and improved long-term outcomes for children diagnosed with scoliosis.
The collaboration between VB Spine, Dr. Moreau’s research team, Axelys, and Quebec’s innovation ministry reflects a shared commitment to advancing healthcare through science-driven innovation. It also highlights the growing importance of partnerships between industry and academic institutions in translating biomedical discoveries into clinically meaningful solutions.
VB Spine noted that the announcement includes forward-looking statements related to scientific development, regulatory approval, and potential commercialization. As with all research-driven initiatives, actual outcomes may differ based on regulatory, clinical, and operational factors.
However, the partnership represents a significant step forward in the effort to better understand and manage pediatric scoliosis. By combining long-term scientific research with industry expertise and structured commercialization pathways, the initiative aims to bring a new generation of predictive tools to pediatric orthopedic care.
Ultimately, the collaboration underscores a shared vision: improving early diagnosis, enabling earlier intervention, and transforming outcomes for children at risk of spinal deformities worldwide.
About VB Spine
VB Spine LLC is the largest privately held spine company and among the largest family-owned medical technology companies in the world. With a comprehensive product portfolio and a large and growing global distribution network, VB Spine delivers specialized solutions that address critical needs in spine surgery and enhance patient outcomes. Focused on people, partnerships and operational excellence, VB Spine ensures healthcare professionals have access to the tools and resources needed to provide the highest standard of care. VB Spine is owned and led by the Viscogliosi Brothers. For more information on VB Spine, please visit www.vbspineco.com.
About Axelys
Axelys is a non-profit organization whose mission is to contribute to the economic and social prosperity of Quebec by accelerating the development and transfer of high-potential innovations stemming from public research. Axelys offers consulting and support services in development, intellectual property management and innovation transfer to all public research institutions in Quebec, in all regions. In addition, Axelys contributes to the creation of scientific companies spun off from public research.
About The Azrieli Research Centre at Sainte-Justine University Hospital
The Centre de recherche Azrieli du CHU Sainte-Justine is a leading mother-child health research institution affiliated with the Université de Montréal. It is an integral part of CHU Sainte-Justine, the largest mother-child health centre in Canada. Driven by a passion for excellence, it aims to develop true precision health by leveraging the full potential of data and of the most advanced technologies. It brings together 298 research investigators, including more than 170 clinician-scientists, and over 700 graduate and postgraduate students, all focused on advancing knowledge, finding innovative means for prevention, developing faster and less invasive diagnostic methods and treatments, and optimizing patients’ care trajectories. recherche.chusj.org
