Titan Medical (TSX:TMD) said today it inked a deal with the French Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire de Strasbourg to participate in feasibility and validation studies of its Sport robotic surgical system as the company seeks regulatory clearance for the platform.

Toronto-based Titan Medical said it expects to initiate studies of its Sport system in the 4th quarter of this year, continuing into next year.

“We are thrilled to partner with IHU Strasbourg, one of Europe’s premier research and training centers, for continued feasibility and validation studies for the Sport system. IHU Strasbourg is well known for its Institute of Image-Guided Surgery and is perfectly suited to combine the know-how of renowned surgeons, scientists and healthcare experts in order to provide effective product evaluation, validation and surgical training. IHU Strasbourg is uniquely qualified with a stellar reputation, strong surgeon engagement and convenient access, which we believe will contribute positively to our planned commercialization activities. With the recent engagement of Florida Hospital Nicholson Center in Orlando and now IHU Strasbourg, we are well on our way to meeting our goal of securing three partner validation sites,” prez & CEO David McNally said in a prepared statement.

“The 4 pillars of IHU Strasbourg’s mission are patient care, innovation, education and technology transfer. We are excited to be partnering with Titan Medical and combining our expertise to shape what could be the next frontier in minimally invasive surgery. IHU Strasbourg’s close relationship with the IRCAD laparoscopic training center, which has headquarters in Strasbourg, could also allow Titan Medical future access to the rapidly growing global footprint of IRCAD’s premier training facilities,” IHU Strasbourg CEO Jacques Marescaux said in a press release.

Last month, Titan Medical announced its 1st collaborative deal, with the Florida Hospital Nicholson Center, as it aims to begin feasibility and validation studies of its Sport in advance of regulatory clearance.