3D-printed biomimetic and bioresorbable implants specialist Osteopore Limited (ASX: OSX) has successfully completed pre-clinical bench and pre- verification studies in partnership with the University of Chile.
The studies centred on developing ground-breaking compounds and materials that integrate with the bone implant and speed up regeneration.
Osteopore secured US$360,000 in grant capital via the Government of Chile and the University of Chile to develop a potential world-first 3D-printed bone implant capable of accelerating bone regeneration. The University of Chile is ranked 400th globally in the Best Global Universities – and placed 4th in Latin America (LATAM) – by US News.
The project has now completed the bench-testing phase with results indicating cytocompatibility. In addition, through the addition of the innovative compound into Osteopore’s bone implants, osteogenic differentiation was increased over the same analysis period as baseline, indicating faster osteogenesis.
This was evidenced by a 3- fold increase in cell adhesion of human bone lineage cells and human endothelial cells, and a 2.5-fold increase of bone-mineralising activity in vitro, as compared to the baseline. With these positive results, the project will now progress to pre-clinical studies of bone regeneration in a biological model.
“It is a great privilege to work with a highly-motivated research and clinical team that would like to make a difference in bone regeneration,” CEO, Dr Yujing Lim, said.
“Albeit at an early stage, we are highly encouraged by the outcomes. We wish the research and clinical team continued success in the next stage of the evaluation.”
Universidad de Chile’s Deputy Director of Technology Innovation, Gaspar Morgado, said it is a strategic priority for our university to collaborate with international entities and industry partners on R&D initiatives.
“This approach enhances the potential impact of our laboratory-generated knowledge and technologies.
“Our partnership with Osteopore exemplifies our commitment to innovation,” he said.
The research partnership with the University of Chile strengthens Osteopore’s position in the LATAM medical device and technologies market, which is expected to reach US$92.22 million by 2029 from USD$68.9 million in 2024.