A 3D-printable biomimetic bone regeneration material

Introduction

Critical-size bone defects do not heal spontaneously over the patient’s lifetime and cause substantial individual, societal, and economic burden. Current treatment options are hampered by associated complications, poor functional or aesthetic outcomes, a limited availability of tissue for bone grafts, and high financial costs.

Global Context

Worldwide, more than 4 million surgeries per year require bone grafts or substitute materials. Consequently, there is a significant clinical and economic need for novel treatments for critical-size bone defects.

Project Overview

In PRIOBONE, we propose the validation and steps towards exploitation of our newly developed, bone-mimetic 3D-printable material for bone repair. Our PRIOBONE material has the potential to outperform current treatments and alternative solutions on the market due to its:

• Biomimetic composition
• Excellent cytocompatibility
• Osteoinductive capacity
• Ideal mechanical properties
• 3D printability into any desired shape

This allows us to create implants optimized for clinical and individual patient needs.

Innovative Features

This includes, for example, the possibility to print the material into foldable and deployable 3D designs that allow a minimally invasive insertion of the material into defect sites, where it can re-expand.

Approach to Clinical Application

The use of well-established components and our “materials-only” approach will enable a faster track to clinical application and regulatory approval in comparison to approaches containing biologicals such as cells or previously unknown components.

Validation and Commercialization

In PRIOBONE, we will validate our material for bone regeneration, undertake a comprehensive market analysis, explore target leads and transfer pathways, and elaborate our IP strategy towards commercialization.

Expected Outcomes

Following successful validation, we expect that PRIOBONE will provide a cost-efficient, individualizable alternative to current treatments with the potential to significantly lower the economic, individual, and social burden of critical-size bone defects.