Biologic technologies continue to expand the possibilities for treating spinal conditions. However, it can be challenging to separate promise from evidence, and to determine where emerging approaches fit into clinical care.
NASS will bring together spine surgeons, researchers, engineers, and industry experts November 13 in Nashville for Biologic Interventions for Spinal Pathologies, a one-day course examining the science, evidence, and practical considerations surrounding current and emerging biologic technologies.
The program is designed around an area of spine care that continues to evolve. While surgical and nonoperative treatment pathways are relatively well established for many spinal conditions, questions remain about the indications, risks, and appropriate use of biologics. Differences in regulatory pathways and the amount and quality of available evidence add another layer of complexity for clinicians, researchers, developers, and others evaluating these technologies.
Rather than looking at biologics through a single lens, the course brings together perspectives from academia, clinical practice, and industry. Faculty expertise spans regenerative medicine, osteobiologics, biomaterials, spinal fusion, implant technology, biomedical engineering, and regulatory strategy.
From Myth Busting to Regeneration
The day begins with “Myth Busters and Misunderstanding in Spine Healing,” setting the stage with discussions of FDA classifications and approval processes, the spine market landscape, common misconceptions surrounding orthobiologics, and even how spinal fusion itself is defined.
The session concludes with a panel titled “All the Questions I’ve Been Afraid to Ask About Biologics,” opening the discussion to questions that may become particularly important as new products and technologies move from research and development toward clinical use.
From there, the program moves through several major areas shaping biologics and spine healing. Sessions will examine human tissue products, including allograft, cellular bone matrices, and demineralized bone matrix; bioactive materials; and proteins, peptides, and drugs used for bone health and healing.
The afternoon expands the conversation beyond biologic products themselves. “Metal Matters and PEEK Updates” will examine developments in implant and surface technologies, followed by a session on disc, soft tissue, and nerve regeneration exploring some of the emerging approaches that could shape future treatment.
Throughout the program, introductory presentations and industry perspectives are paired with panel discussions intended to encourage exchange among the different stakeholders involved in developing, evaluating, and using these technologies.
The course concludes with roundtable discussions focused on goals for 2027, giving participants an opportunity to consider not only the current state of biologics in spine care, but where research and collaboration should go next.
Bringing Different Perspectives to the Table
The course is designed for researchers, engineers, spine surgeons, industry scientists and developers, corporate leaders, regulatory and reimbursement professionals, residents, fellows and early-career investigators working in biologics, biomaterials, and regenerative spine technologies.
Course faculty include experts whose work ranges from basic and translational research to clinical spine surgery and medical device development. Course chairs Zorica Buser, PhD, MBA; Christopher D. Chaput, MD; Raymond J. Hah, MD; and Lisa A. Ferrara, PhD, bring experience across biologics research, clinical care, innovation, and regulatory strategy.
Early Career Travel Scholarship
NASS is offering a new Early Career Travel Scholarship for the 2026 Biologic Interventions for Spinal Pathologies course, taking place November 13 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Designed to support fellows and early-career spine professionals with an interest in biologics, scholarship recipients will receive complimentary course registration and up to $1,000 in travel support.
Beyond financial support, the scholarship is designed to give recipients meaningful opportunities to connect with course leaders, faculty, and peers. Recipients will be encouraged to participate throughout the course’s highly interactive format, including the Welcome Networking Event, faculty-led panels and discussions such as “All the Questions I’ve Been Afraid to Ask About Biologics” and the closing “Goals for 2027” roundtables.
The course brings together experts and emerging voices for candid discussion of the latest science, evidence and practical applications of biologic interventions in spine care.
Apply for the Early Career Travel Scholarship by Friday, October 2.
For more information about the Biologics course and to register, visit: https://www.spine.org/Biologics-Course