autologous cultured chondrocytes (Sewon Cellontech Co., Ltd.)

Chondron is an autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) therapy developed by Sewon Cellontech for the repair of articular cartilage defects, primarily in the knee. As the first cell therapy product to receive regulatory approval in South Korea (2001), it represents a pioneering advancement in regenerative medicine. The treatment process involves harvesting a small biopsy of healthy cartilage from a non-weight-bearing area of the patient's joint, followed by the isolation and ex vivo expansion of chondrocytes in a specialized laboratory. These cultured cells are then surgically implanted into the cartilage defect, often secured under a periosteal patch or a collagen membrane. Once implanted, the chondrocytes proliferate and produce a new extracellular matrix rich in type II collagen and proteoglycans, effectively regenerating hyaline-like cartilage to restore joint function and reduce pain.

Brand names

Chondron

Other names

Autologous cultured chondrocytes