MZ Solution Begins Development of Heterologous Tissue-Derived Bone and Cartilage Composite Graft

On the 24th, MGen Solution announced that it has begun developing a xenogeneic tissue-derived bone-cartilage composite graft capable of regenerating and replacing damaged cartilage.

This graft applies MGen Solution’s core proprietary technology, the composite decellularization technique. It is an acellular tissue graft in which cellular components that cause immune responses and side effects upon implantation are completely removed. The upper part is composed of collagen similar to human knee cartilage, while the lower part consists of xenogeneic bone.

A company representative explained, “This technology can dramatically overcome the difficulty of simultaneously restoring the bone and cartilage parts, which have different properties, when treating osteochondral defects,” adding, “Unlike autologous osteochondral grafts or allogeneic human tissue grafts, it has the advantage of being free from limitations in tissue supply and standardization.”

Knee cartilage is easily worn or torn due to severe impact or poor posture, but since cartilage lacks nerves, damage does not cause pain. In particular, cartilage has no blood vessels, so once damaged, it cannot heal or regenerate on its own. If damaged cartilage is left untreated, it eventually progresses to degenerative arthritis.

Since there is no standard treatment that satisfies patients, when knee cartilage is completely worn out, artificial joint surgery is required. Recently developed stem cell therapies also carry risks related to incomplete differentiation of stem cells and immune response complications, and the treatment costs are very high.

The company representative stated, “The global degenerative arthritis market size already exceeded 10 trillion KRW as of 2021,” and added, “Our goal is to develop xenogeneic grafts to provide an option for patients who currently have no suitable alternatives other than expensive stem cell therapies and ultimately must undergo artificial joint replacement surgery.”

He continued, “We plan to develop grafts that offer excellent therapeutic effects at a reasonable price compared to stem cell therapies,” and said, “To achieve commercialization by 2030, we are currently building GMP facilities, expanding our research institute, and reinforcing specialized personnel.”