Orthopaedic implant solutions provider Active Implants has entered into an exclusive agreement with Geistlich Pharma for NUsurface meniscus prosthesis.
Under the deal, Geistlich Pharma will serve as the exclusive Swiss distributor for the company’s NUsurface, which is claimed to be the world’s first artificial meniscus.
The NUsurface meniscus prosthesis is currently available in Belgium, Germany, Israel, Italy and the UK, in addition to Switzerland.
In 2019, Active Implants first collaborated with Geistlich Pharma on the MEFISTO project, which is part of the EU Horizon2020 programme.
The project is designed for the development of interventions focused on joint preservation and delaying or preventing joint-sacrificing procedures such as knee replacement, thereby minimising the costs and high levels of morbidity resulting from osteoarthritis (OA).
Active Implants president and CEO Ted Davis said: “With Geistlich Pharma’s focus on knee preservation through the regeneration of bone, cartilage and tissue, we feel confident that our two organisations are aligned in our core values.
“We look forward to expanding access to the NUsurface through their world-class medical education, training and support.”
The NUsurface, which is the first artificial meniscus to be marketed in Europe, is currently being reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The medial meniscus replacement is said to mimic the function of the natural meniscus and treat pain by redistributing loads transmitted across the knee joint.
According to the company, it serves as a safe and effective surgical alternative to knee replacement for patients suffering due to meniscus-deficient knee pain.
Designed to be free from fixation to bone or soft tissues, the NUsurface meniscus prosthesis is an artificial meniscus produced using medical grade polymer.
By serving as a shock absorber, the NUsurface distributes weight transmitted across the knee joint, thereby reducing the pain and enhancing physical function.
The NUsurface may also serve as chondroprotective, by limiting the stress and protecting femoral articular cartilage from further damage.
