September 19, 2024 – Founded in 2016, FITCI Grad Theradaptive is growing again. The company is commercializing a pipeline of therapeutics in the orthopedic space, targeting multiple clinical applications, including spinal fusion, long bone repair, dental repair, osteochondral reconstruction, and peripheral nerve repair. It launched from FITCI’s Metropolitan Court facility with 6 employees during the tumultuous events of 2020 and has already outgrown that location.
Now boasting a staff of 30+, their new address is 7495 New Horizon Way in the City of Frederick. The event featured refreshments, facility tours, and networking opportunities, as well as presentations by numerous dignitaries, and a working model of their proprietary technology in action. Also announced at their grand opening, Theradaptive has plans to double their workforce in the near future.
The move marks a major milestone in Theradaptive’s journey from startup company to becoming a pioneering force in surgical technology on a global scale.
Theradaptive began as a Department of Defense (DoD)-funded spin-out from MIT through a tech transfer program. The agreement allowed Dr. Alvarez to take the research he started during his laudable military career into the commercial realm. The protein-engineering platform he developed enables proteins to bind to materials found in surgical implants, in essence, regrowing a patient’s own bone tissue.
His inspiration was very personal. As a young captain in Iraq, his Humvee was bombed and a compatriot severely injured. His educational background in bioengineering led to a unique way to help those facing amputations keep their limbs – potentially transforming millions of lives. Theradaptive’s revolutionary platform has applications in sports medicine, orthopedic surgery, dental implants, lower back pain, cancer care, and a range of musculoskeletal injuries. Not only will this advancement help warfighters who suffer traumatic injuries, individuals with degenerative diseases or genetic conditions will benefit with opportunities to alleviate pain or correct disabilities.
Like many entrepreneurs, Dr. Alvarez began as an expert in his field with a powerful idea and a strong desire to contribute to the greater good. What set him apart was his willingness to accept feedback, build a network focused on his success, and adapt as needed—qualities that often determine whether a business thrives or fails. Typically, it can take 10 to 15 years for a business like this to reach full commercialization. It is a long and steep path forward. That’s why FITCI’s programs focus on accelerating the timeline – because the world can’t wait for these groundbreaking innovations.
The FITCI team is incredibly proud to be part of this success story. Theradaptive’s progress exemplifies why support for startups and local businesses is so crucial. By surrounding innovators with the right resources and structure, we ensure that groundbreaking advances aren’t lost or delayed. Along the way, we empower individuals to shape their own futures. In turn, they create opportunities for the entire community—through job creation, economic growth, and enhanced vitality.
FITCI CEO Kathie Callahan Brady shared her thoughts on Theradaptive’s achievements: “As someone who has had three hip replacement surgeries, I know this technology will be life-changing for so many people. Imagine it: no more metal implants, with all the risks they carry. Instead, it will be our own bone, regrown. Being part of this journey, knowing the hard work and dedication behind Theradaptive’s progress, is both awe-inspiring and liberating.”
Theradaptive forged partnerships with several of the nation’s top hospitals, including the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic. The combined addressable market for these clinical indications exceeds $7 billion annually.
For more information visit www.theradaptive.com.
