BellaSeno, a medical device company based in Leipzig, Germany, and Evonik, a specialty chemicals company based in Essen, Germany, are joining forces to commercialize 3D-printed scaffolds for bone regeneration.
E&B Partner to 3D Print Bone Regen Scaffolds
1 min read Premium comments
Secondary#evonik#ballaseno
The bone scaffolds are resorbable and custom-made. According to the companies, the resorbable scaffolds change the way “bone and soft tissue defects are treated by ensuring the correct anatomical positions of tissue grafts.” The companies claim that the 3D-printed tissue scaffolds address a number of issues faced by tissue autografts. Namely, their lack of stability and the inability to be packed in a controlled manner.
Andreas Karau, global head of medical device solutions at Evonik’s health care business line, is enthusiastic about the partnership: “We are excited that these scaffolds offer patients superior healing for bone defects. In BellaSeno we have found a likeminded partner, passionate to innovate for better health and well-being.”
According to the companies, the bone scaffolds can be used for “large and complex bone defects.” They will be made with Evonik’s Resomer® polymers.
The Resomer portfolio of bioresorbable polymers has been used commercially for over 30 years. The portfolio of semi-crystalline and amorphous polymers, per the Evonik website, are “available in a range of standard and customizable forms to provide maximum versatility in the development of innovative bioresorbable devices.” There are a number of custom Resomer formulations available for 3D printing.
BellaSeno CEO Mohit Chhaya said, “Evonik’s Resomer® polymers combine excellent stability and flexibility. These mechanical properties and their degradation profile allow the scaffold to be safely absorbed at a rate that matches the formation of the patient’s own bone.”
Chhaya continued, “We believe that these novel bone generation implants hold great promise for patients.”
The companies have been working together since 2019. Initially, they came together to develop scaffolds for chest wall and breast reconstruction.
React:
Discussion
This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
Join the conversation
Orthopedic professionals are discussing this. Sign in and upgrade to read every comment and add your voice.