Nov 05 2024
Meet our founders: A conversation with Dr. Slobodan Tepic on veterinary orthopaedics
Meet Dr. Slobodan Tepic, the founder of KYON, today one of the product brands in Vimian’s MedTech segment Movora. Learn about his journey from innovative orthopaedic solutions for pets to becoming an integral part of Vimian.
Tell us about your journey and how you founded KYON.
KYON began with a goal to commercialize a new type of total hip prosthesis for dogs. The name "KYON," derived from an ancient Greek word for dog, perfectly suited our initial primary focus on canine orthopedics.
The hip prosthesis project was initiated by Pierre Montavon, professor of small animal surgery at the Veterinary School of the University of Zurich. At that time, I was working at the AO Institute in Davos, a leader in fracture treatment research. Professor Montavon approached me to help him develop a hip prosthesis for dogs that could be used by surgeons well-versed in trauma surgery but not necessarily in joint replacement. We started this project in 1993 and spent six years performing about 160 clinical cases, stepwise improving the implants and the procedure.
In 1999 I founded KYON. Initially, it was a very small operation. In the first three years, we recruited around 50 surgeons worldwide, instructing each on how to use the hip prosthesis. In 2002 we started teaching the procedure through courses and in the next 20 years, the number of users increased to over 250. This innovation – named Zurich Cementless – became KYON's flagship product.
What inspired the unique approach and strategy behind KYON's solutions?
The fundamental principle behind Zurich Cementless was the fixation of implants to bone, an area I extensively researched at the AO Institute. We applied the learnings from our research on how to fix implants to bones using screws that lock the implant to the bone immediately after surgery. This method ensured the implant became one with the bone, lasting for years without getting loose or causing bone resorption.
Another unique aspect was our commitment to using only pure titanium or titanium alloys for all implants. This decision stemmed from the research in Davos and elsewhere, which showed that titanium is better tolerated by bone and soft tissues than stainless steel. The use of titanium combined with implant designs and surgical techniques to minimize disruption of blood perfusion was shown to significantly reduce the risk of infections.
How did KYON's journey lead to your involvement with Vimian?
KYON's innovative approach and growing reputation eventually caught the attention of Fidelio Capital. In 2019, we sold KYON to Fidelio, and it later became part of the Vimian Group, under the MedTech segment. The acquisition process was efficient and fair, and their vision aligned well with ours. Being part of Movora and Vimian has allowed KYON's legacy of innovation to continue and expand in a way that would not have been possible had we not sold. The business has grown faster than it would have otherwise so that’s something I’m very happy with.
I'm grateful for the journey and the opportunities that have come from founding Kyon. The transition to being part of Vimian has been a fulfilling chapter, allowing our innovations to reach a broader audience. I look forward to seeing Movora evolve and continue improving veterinary care.
Reflecting on your journey, what accomplishments are you most proud of?
One of the most satisfying aspects of my journey with KYON has been the development of truly innovative products that have made a significant, positive impact on veterinary orthopedics. Winning several Red Dot Design Awards for our products also stands out, showcasing our commitment to both functionality and design.
We built everything from the ground up, relying on the dedication and hard work of a small, committed team.
Since most of KYON’s nine product lines were new to surgery, we spent a great deal of time educating surgeons and veterinary staff. This has been through private instructions and group courses and required a lot of travel. It also helped us in the development of products and procedures. I’ve scrubbed into about 1000 surgeries with 145 surgeons across the world. In addition to improving our products and expanding our business, this has created many long-lasting friendships.
What is your focus now after moving on from KYON?
I have now shifted my focus to veterinary cancer research, a long-standing passion of mine. The sale of KYON has provided me with the resources to pursue this work more intensively. My current project involves developing new drugs and protocols in veterinary oncology.