MZ Solution Selected for National Project on Heterogeneous Tissue... Targeting 15 Trillion Won Degenerative Arthritis Market

On the 26th, MGen Solution announced that it will develop a meniscus cartilage implant with over 30% improved strength compared to existing collagen implants through a national research project. MGen Solution was selected for this national project by receiving the highest rating among supported companies.

According to the company, the number of arthritis patients has been steadily increasing recently due to aging, obesity, and leisure sports. In particular, meniscus cartilage damage causing rheumatoid arthritis is mainly treated with suturing and transplantation. However, suturing is often not possible, and in the case of transplantation, the number of allografts is limited, and there are potential risks such as transplant rejection.

Overseas, xenogeneic collagen-based implants and polyurethane-based artificial meniscus cartilage are being used. These products have been criticized for issues such as lack of durability, low fusion rates, synovitis induction, and high clinical failure rates.

MGen Solution plans to improve these problems by developing a product with enhanced strength, safety, and efficacy compared to existing products. Clinical trials for commercialization are also planned.

The project is titled “Development of a xenogeneic tissue-derived decellularized meniscus cartilage implant with over 30% improved mechanical strength and enhanced biomimicry leading to improved cell-tissue affinity compared to existing collagen implant products.” The collaborating institutions include The Catholic University of Korea and the Korea Conformity Laboratories (KCL).

Previously, MGen Solution utilized its know-how in xenogeneic organ development and tissue engineering technology to develop meniscus cartilage implants. A company representative stated, “According to the industry, the global degenerative arthritis treatment market is expected to reach approximately 15 trillion KRW by 2025,” adding, “We will accelerate research and development to secure market leadership.”

He continued, “We recently filed a patent application related to the core technology for this implant development, the complex decellularization technology,” and added, “Accordingly, development is expected to accelerate further, and upon completion, it will be the first case of developing a xenogeneic tissue-derived meniscus cartilage implant.”