Description

ST03 is a biodegradable implant for the treatment of osteochondral defects such as knee injuries. ST03 consists of a combination of the novel proprietary cartilage growth factor rhCD-RAP and a carrier matrix allowing for controlled release of the growth factor to the defect site.

The growth factor rhCD-RAP is a highly promising candidate for cartilage regeneration and will be combined with a plug, shaped for direct press-fitting into the osteochondral defect, and applied either by surgery or by minimally invasive techniques. The carrier matrix will be CE-marked, being available on the market. ST03 will be a ready-to-use product that does not require additional steps prior to use.

Scientific rationale

The growth factor CD-RAP represents a substantially novel molecule for cartilage regeneration: it is highly specific for cartilage tissue and was shown to play a crucial role during cartilage formation in embryonic development and in adult animals. Moreover, CD-RAP stimulates the synthesis of cartilage matrix, as demonstrated with cartilage cells from osteoarthritis patients. These properties make CD-RAP a highly promising candidate for cartilage regeneration.

Developmental stage

Scil Technology has successfully completed proof-of-concept studies in vivo. It has been shown that the growth factor greatly accelerated cartilage repair in injured cartilage in a preclinical model.

Intellectual property

Scil Technology possesses a strong proprietary position on the protein and the use of CD-RAP for the manufacturing of pharmaceutical compositions in cartilage repair.