BioSeed®-C, a 3D chondrocyte graft for the treatment of articular cartilage defects

BioSeed®-C is a three-dimensional graft that comprised of autologous chondrocytes embedded in a bioresorbable two-component gel-polymer scaffold, indicated for treatment of degenerative and traumatic articular cartilage defects. Several clinical studies were performed to evaluate the clinical impact of BioSeed®-C 2 years and 4 years post-transplantation in articular cartilage defects. In 40 patients suffering from chronic post-traumatic and/or degenerative cartilage lesions of the knee, significant improvements in a series of scoring systems (knee injury, osteoarthritis outcomes, pain, quality of life, and others) were observed at 2 years post-implantation. Histological tests of biopsies showed satisfactory graft integration and formation of a cartilaginous repair tissue. In a 4-year follow up study in patients with full-thickness cartilage defects, significant score improvement was reported as well as restoration of biomechanical capabilities. An additional study aimed to retrospectively (a minimum follow-up of 2 years) compare clinical outcomes of standard autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) versus BioSeed®-C. Results suggested that BioSeed®-C is an equally effective treatment option for focal degenerative chondral lesions of the knee.