Biological Meniscus Implant Released in Europe

A biological implant designed to regenerate defects of the meniscus is now available in Europe. The Collagen Meniscus Implant (CMI) was jointly developed by Sulzer Medica (Winterthur, Switzerland) and ReGen Biologics Inc. (Redwood, CA) and received CE Marking in February 2000. Sulzer Medica has a minority holding in ReGen and has the worldwide marketing and distribution rights (excluding the United States) for CMI.

The implant consists of a sponge-like structure of highly purified collagen. It is implanted arthroscopically to replace the damaged meniscus tissue. The porous structure of the CMI serves as a scaffold to support ingrowth of cells and thereby the formation of new meniscus tissue.

Edited by Ursula Jones