CytexOrtho Advances Implant To Clinical Trials With Textile Design And Contract Manufacturing Solutions

Challenge

CytexOrtho, founded by Farshid Guilak, PhD; Brad Estes, PhD; and Frank Moutos, PhD, developed a new implant to restore joints in young patients with early joint disease. These patients’ joints can become increasingly arthritic until the only remaining solution is total joint replacement. This implant technology is designed to help young patients return to normal activity levels and avoid joint replacement.

Consisting of a high-performance textile combined with a 3D-printed substrate, the porous implant enables tissue to develop in and around its fibers to create a functional, biologically reinforced composite implant shortly after implantation.

After receiving a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Estes, CEO, and Dr. Moutos, VP of Technology Development, began their search for a medical textile expert to manufacture the implant for clinical trials. They also needed the support of an experienced, quality-driven contract manufacturing organization (CMO) for production of the implant, which required a highly specialized 3D-printing process, along with packaging and sterilization management.