SiNtx Technologies Inc (SINT)

[boston745]

The following will show that Sintx had, at the time of data release in 2017, a strategic partnership with Zimmer Biomet (likely a subsidiary like Biomet) pertaining to development of a hip implant using only Sintx femoral head component. It however did not have a strategic partnership to develop products using its coating technology for hip and knee products.
I suspect that the 2.5m dollar payment Zimmer Biomet made Q2 2017 was done to acquire the implant prototype that was created using Sintx femoral head and Biomets liner as Zimmer Biomet would not intend to release a hip implant using Sintx femoral head only. Id bet it would want to keep this prototype for in-house testing purposes. This still begs to question who received the 2.5m for this prototype? That entity, likely an entity connected to one of the Universities involved (University of Missouri?), then used Dr Bals investment firm to loan to Sintx July 2017.

2015 10K

We are incorporating our silicon nitride technology into silicon nitride-coated metal components and solid silicon nitride components for use in total hip and knee replacement product candidates that we plan to develop in collaboration with a strategic partner.

This femoral head is expected to articulate against a cross-linked polyethylene liner fixed into a metal acetabular cup. Together with a strategic partner, we have initiated biomechanical testing of our solid silicon nitride femoral heads. This testing is expected to continue through 2016

although we have not yet entered into an agreement with any strategic partner to develop products with these silicon nitride-coated components

Two of the three quotes show that they do not have a strategic partner to utilize their Si3n4 coated metal components but that they intend to develop their hip & knee products in collaboration with one of their strategic partners. The third quote indicates they have a strategic partner to develop a hip implant using their femoral head as they initiated testing with said partner.

2016 10k

Together with a strategic partner, we have initiated biomechanical testing of our solid silicon nitride femoral heads. The results of this test will be released in 2017

This quote indicates the results of testing of their femoral head with a strategic partner will be released in 2017.

Those results were released testing Sintx Femoral head against Biomet's E1 liners. Thus Zimmer Biomet, or any of its subsidiaries, is Sintx strategic partner in this testing.

Amedica and Zimmer-Biomet (Tokyo Office) provided the femoral heads and acetabular liners; however, neither company actively sponsored the research.

2018 10k

As we continue to gather evidence that silicon nitride femoral heads are superior in terms of wear performance, taper corrosion, strength and in vitro hydrothermal stability, we eventually intend to commercialize this product in cooperation with a strategic partner.

This quote indicates that they have a strategic partnership to develop hip implant using Sintx femoral head but not commercialize it yet. However they intend to commercialize the product with ta strategic partner one day.

Quote Sources:

2015 10-k: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1269026/000149315216008221/form10-k.htm
2016 10-k pg 13: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1269026/000149315217010752/form10-k.htm
2017 results: https://ir.sintx.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/95/amedica-announces-results-of-independent-femoral-head-wear
2018 10-k pg 16: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1269026/000149315220004745/form10-k.htm