The proposed technology is a novel approach to harvest 200 mg of articular cartilage from the patient required for the MACI procedure to treat symptomatic articular cartilage lesions. The device will be inserted into the knee via cannula, to harvest cartilage from the non-load bearing surfaces of the medial and lateral femoral condyles. The device can foreseeably be used for biopsy procurement of articular cartilage from the shoulder as well. This is the first device specifically designed for a clinical, articular cartilage biopsy procedure. The device is intended to be used in conjunction with an endoscope to procure biopsies from the condyles.

The makeup of the device consists of a completely contained 12-gauge (2.77mm) outer cannula, which enables it to be used in a clinical setting. Other devices and procedures are only used during open or endoscopic guided surgical arthroscopy. When used, the device is capable of providing 200mg of articular cartilage in 3-5 passes. This is the mass required to generate effective cell cultures for the MACI procedure.

The device combines two surgical instruments, a Notchplasty Gouge and Alligator Forceps, into one clinical device.

Potential Application

The proposed device could be administered as a clinical procedure by an orthopedic surgeon to harvest articular cartilage for biopsies. The device would eliminate the need for an official surgical procedure performed in an operating room for biopsies of the knee.

Opportunity

The global cartilage repair/regeneration market size was valued at $4.2 billion in 2016 and is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.4% during the forecast period. Rising prevalence of bone and joint disorders, such as osteoarthritis or arthritis, and technological advancements in cartilage regeneration are the key drivers expected to nurture market growth worldwide.

There is an increase in prevalence of osteoarthritis due to growing geriatric population and increasing related factors such as obesity. Furthermore, over 12.0 million people suffer from knee pain and visit the doctors in the United States. Osteoarthritis affects around 15.0 million Indians and arthritis affects around 10.0 million individuals in the UK every year, thereby driving this industry’s growth.

Rowan University is looking for a partner for further development and commercialization of this technology through a license.