autologous cultured chondrocytes (TiGenix)

ChondroCelect is an autologous cell therapy consisting of cultured chondrocytes, specifically developed for the repair of symptomatic articular cartilage defects of the femoral condyle in the knee. Developed by TiGenix, it was the first Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) to receive marketing authorization from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2009. The treatment process involves harvesting a small biopsy of healthy cartilage from the patient's joint, isolating the chondrocytes, and expanding them in vitro before re-implanting them into the damaged area to promote the regeneration of hyaline-like cartilage. In 2014, TiGenix licensed the marketing and distribution rights to Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi) for several regions, including Europe and the Middle East. However, due to commercial challenges and the high cost of maintaining the marketing authorization relative to sales, TiGenix withdrew the product from the market in 2016, with the authorization officially expiring in 2018.

Brand names

ChondroCelect

Other names

autologous cultured chondrocytes