Spotlight on BoneRec project
This project has been initiated in October 2020 following the project call n°27.
BoneRec aims to develop a new tissue engineered product indicated in bone reconstruction. This ideal bone graft substitute will be biomechanically stable, resorbable and exhibit osteoconductive, osteogenic and osteoinductive properties.
The 3D planning and shape of the implant will be provided by 3D-Side. The biomechanical property will be provided by the Cerhum graft and the osteoconductive, osteogenic and osteoinductive properties will be achieved by Bone Therapeutics product ALLOB. This tailored combination will provide a better environment for bone regeneration: cell recruitment, colonization, mineralization and revascularization of the biocompatible patch will be favoured, to maximize chances of repair and healing time. The specific target of this project is to bring a new solution in bone reconstruction in the treatment of pseudarthrosis in adults.
BioWin: At which stage is the project now and what are the next steps/milestones?
Valentin from Cerhum: First, the specifications of the future bone graft were gathered from scientific experts and clinicians. Afterwards, the material was selected and customly produced by a subcontractor. Cerhum adapted the material to the 3D printing process. A first version of the scaffold that will be implanted has been designed and manufactured by Cerhum.
The digital platform has been developed by 3D-Side to get a perfectly functional and clear interface to be able to plan surgeries.
In parallel, Bone Therapeutics is working on the development of a preclinical model on rats to have a model for segmental femoral critical size defect. This study has been launched on 30 rats.
In the next weeks the first in vitro and vivo experiment that will prove the safety of the scaffolds (produced by Cerhum) and cells (produced by Bone-Therapeutics) will be investigated by both laboratories of the ULiège (UROC) and UCLouvain (IREC).
BioWin: How was/is the collaboration with the different partners in the consortium and what was the added value of BioWin?
Valentin from Cerhum: The collaboration between all partners unfolds in a very positive way. Indeed, each partner involves its specialty to create a synergy that allows the project to progress efficiently. BioWin brings its expertise to the project and allows different Walloon company to work together in a mutual direction.
BioWin: How many people are involved in the project and can we find more information online?
Valentin from Cerhum: There are currently 16 people involved in the project between all the consortium’s partners. 2 people are working at Cerhum, 4 at 3DSide, 1 at Bone-Therapeutics, 5 in the IREC laboratory and finally 4 at the UROC laboratory.
There is however no other information online for the moment because there was a problem regarding the name of the project that caused the removal of online articles.
BioWin: Are you seeking additional collaborations with other partners in the future? Are these local players within the Walloon ecosystem or also international?
Valentin from Cerhum: Yes, a distributor for the product. It could be a specific one for the Walloon Region, and a more international one to be able to deliver the product around the world.
BioWin: How many patients are suffering from pseudarthrosis and at which stage would they need a treatment that helps bone reconstruction?
Valentin from Cerhum: The population suffering from Pseudoarthrosis is estimated around 200.000 patients per year. Pseudoarthrosis is a consequence of a non-successful bone healing so the stage is the secondary effect of a primary wound.
BioWin: When will this product hit the market and which geography are you targeting?
Valentin from Cerhum: The product will hit the market around 2025 and a first focus will be on Belgium and neighboring countries. Then, the global market of Pseudoarthrosis will be targeted meaning the whole world.
BioWin: What is your hope for the future?
Valentin from Cerhum: Our hope for the future is to be able to supply every patient affected by Pseudoarthrosis with a bone graft that would cure their disease and give them better conditions of living.
