Cerapedics Bone Graft Receives Medicare NTAP Status, Potentially Accelerating Spinal Fusions

Cerapedics Inc. has announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has granted New Technology Add-on Payment (NTAP) status for its PearlMatrix® P-15 Peptide Enhanced Bone Graft. The designation is effective October 1, 2026.

The NTAP status is awarded to new technologies that represent significant clinical advancements. PearlMatrix's approval via an alternative NTAP pathway highlights its transformative nature, having previously received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Breakthrough Device designation. This recognition may help lower financial barriers for hospitals to adopt the product.

PearlMatrix is identified as the first and only bone growth accelerator proven to significantly speed up lumbar fusion. Clinical studies have indicated that it can more than double the rate of fusion achievement at six months compared to local autograft.

The NTAP program applies to inpatient care for eligible Medicare beneficiaries. This approval could support patient access to innovative medical technologies during early adoption phases and may also influence commercial insurers.