SaluMedica has received permission from Canadian authorities to begin repairing focal defects in joint cartilage with their SaluCartilage implant:
SaluCartilage is indicated for use in treatment of painful chondral or osteochondral defects of the articular cartilage surface. The SaluCartilage implant is a cylindrical device made from Salubria biomaterial. It is designed to be used as a replacement for damaged cartilage without requiring the destruction or removal of a patient’s healthy tissue.
This organic polymer-based material is capable of withstanding repetitive loading typical of normal walking conditions, and its mechanical properties are similar to the articular cartilage in the knee. Made from synthetic Salubria biomaterial, SaluCartilage provides an alternative to tissue-based treatments without exposing the patient to the risk of viral infection because it does not contain substances derived from human or animal tissue.
The implant, which replaces small areas of damaged tissue, is already available in Europe.
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