This "stress shielding" leads to osteolysis, visible as holes in the bone under radiographic examination.

Name of the primary inventor: Jeremy Mao.

Invention:
Implant design and biomaterials for improved, long-term fixation of bone prostheses.

Unmet Need:
Current implants consist of inert, solid prosthetics, with or without surface indentations to promote host tissue ingrowth. Even with surface modification, ingrowth is superficial and no remodeling of native tissue occurs. Mismatch between the mechanical properties of the implant and host tissue diverts mechanical stress, necessary for bone health, to the implant. This "stress shielding" leads to osteolysis, visible as holes in the bone under radiographic examination. Loosening of the implant over time is the leading cause of implant failures, leading to costly and technically challenging revision surgeries. Advances: Porous implant design, with broad distribution and controlled release of bioactive agents, promotes host-tissue renewal and remodeling, for improved, long-term fixation of implant. Encapsulation of agents also reduces their degradation and diffusion, requiring lower dosage of expensive biologics and lower toxicity associated with higher doses of certain agents.

Applications:
Orthopedic implants (hip, knee, shoulder primary replacements); Dental implants; Spinal implant. Market Size: Orthopedic ($6-$10B); dental implants ($3-5B); spinal cages ($2.5B).

Early Stage

IP Status: Pending application on file (WO 2009/009644). References: Clark et al. FASEB J. 2008 Jan 15.