porcine atelocollagen

Porcine atelocollagen is a highly purified form of type I collagen derived from porcine tissues, such as skin or tendons. The "atelo" prefix signifies that the telopeptides—the non-helical terminal sequences of the collagen molecule responsible for the majority of its immunogenicity—have been enzymatically removed, typically through pepsin treatment. This process results in a biocompatible material with low antigenicity that retains its triple-helical structure. In the field of orthopedics, it is primarily used as an intra-articular injectable therapy for knee osteoarthritis. It functions as a bioactive scaffold that supports chondrocyte adhesion, migration, and proliferation, while also providing mechanical lubrication and structural reinforcement to damaged cartilage. Compared to hyaluronic acid, porcine atelocollagen often demonstrates a longer intra-articular residence time and potential chondroprotective effects, making it a viable alternative for joint preservation and symptom management.

Brand names

Atelo-JSCartiFillColladurTheracol

Other names

porcine-derived atelocollagenpepsin-treated porcine collagenatelocollagen type I