CGBio, a leader in bio regeneration healthcare, helmed by CEO Hyun Seung Yu, has validated the regenerative power of its novel “Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Gel” infused with growth factor TGF-β3, on the 20th. This study paves the way for the development of treatments that fundamentally regenerate cartilage
The research, a joint effort by CGBio and Professor Kang Gil-sun’s team from the Polymer Nano Engineering department at Jeonbuk National University, assessed the ability of Hyaluronic Acid Gel containing TGF-β3 to regenerate cartilage in rabbit knee joint. The work was published in the February edition of the “Biomaterials Science” journal, a publication recognized by the Science Citation Index (SCI).
Cartilage acts to shield bones within joints by reducing friction; damage to it can lead to inflammation and chronic complications in adjacent joint areas, necessitating intervention. Cartilage, being avascular and subjected to constant weight and pressure, cannot naturally repair itself once damaged.
Until now, existing treatments could not fully regenerate or restore cartilage, leading to reliance on medications for pain and inflammation relief or injections of lubricative substances around cartilage to prevent further damage. For cases without advanced arthritis, “microfracture surgery,” which induces minor injuries to stimulate bone marrow and allow autologous stem cells to migrate to the lesion for cartilage regeneration, has been utilized. Yet, such methods fall short of fundamentally regenerating and restoring cartilage.
The objective of the study was to confirm the cartilage healing efficacy of the “Hyaluronic Acid Gel” with its high adhesive properties containing TGF-β3 and to evaluate its role in enhancing the regeneration of damaged cartilage following microfracture surgery.
Hyaluronic acid, a principal supporter of cartilage, is distinguished by its low immunogenicity and high biocompatibility, serving as a material for various implantable products. TGF-β3 plays a crucial role in cartilage regeneration by not only stimulating the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) and collagen but also by inhibiting enzymes that degrade cartilage and inflammatory cells, thereby preserving cartilage.
Through a rabbit femoral microfracture model, the research team investigated the optimal concentration for ensuring the safety and efficacy of the Hyaluronic Acid Gel containing TGF-β3. They then compared its effectiveness in stimulating regeneration against a femoral defect model when accompanied by microfracture surgery.
Results demonstrated that the group treated with Hyaluronic Acid Gel containing TGF-β3 showed significantly higher cartilage regeneration compared to the gel without TGF-β3. This trend was consistent across both the femoral defect model and the femoral microfracture surgery model. (OARSI evaluation criteria on femoral defect model: 1.8 points vs 3.2 points, femoral microfracture surgery model 1.2 points vs 2.0 points)
These findings suggest that CGBio’s newly developed Hyaluronic Acid Gel exhibits superior properties over existing formulations, as reported by CGBio. The innovative Hyaluronic Acid Gel demonstrates exceptional viscosity in joints, avoiding dilution in synovial fluid and effectively adhering to the defect site to provide physical lubrication and cushioning, thereby protecting the damaged joint.
Moreover, the gel, by efficiently releasing TGF-β3, stimulates the mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) at the site of joint defects, promoting cartilage regeneration.
Mi Young Ryu, the director of CGBio’s Research Center 2, has announced that they plan to start clinical trials soon and release a cartilage regeneration medical device by 2026. The device will leverage the proven superior cartilage regeneration capabilities of the “Hyaluronic Acid Gel” containing the growth factor TGF-β3 from their latest study. CGBio remains committed to its role as a pioneer in regenerative medicine, and it continues to advance research in the field to unlock fundamental tissue regeneration pathways that will help patients return to their healthy lifestyles.
