Project description
Plastic meniscus
Wear-and-tear arthritis (i.e. osteoarthritis) is a condition where the meniscus cartilage – the natural cushioning between joints – is damaged or torn. Surgical removal of meniscus may be performed to eliminate the pain but can cause long-term damage to joints. In older patients, total knee replacement may be considered but it is an invasive procedure. Funded by the European Innovation Council, the AL U KNEED project brings forward a unique meniscus prosthesis made of non-biodegradable plastic. This means it is safe to use and serves as a shock absorber in the knee, relieving chronic pain. Importantly, it is incorporated through a minimally invasive procedure and fully reproduces the properties of the native meniscus. The project will undertake all necessary activities for product commercialisation.
Objective
ATRO Medical developed a revolutionary prothesis that quickly relieves pain and restores mobility for severe KOA patients with a dysfunctional lateral meniscus: Trammpolin. We offer a minimally invasive, low impact procedure that postpones undesirable TKR and reduces KOA-related healthcare costs and medication dependency, while restoring full knee functioning. Our innovation is composed of a dual highly biocompatible polymer that carries the body weight and is uniquely shaped to reproduce the anatomical shape and mechanical properties of the native meniscus. The technology has proven itself for the medial meniscus and received the Breakthrough Device Designation of the US FDA in 2020. For successful market entry of our lateral Trammpolin in 2026, we aim to finalize our pre-clinical activities, conduct a FIH-study, and obtain CE-marking. In parallel we will perform a health economics analysis as a crucial step towards obtaining reimbursement for large scale uptake in the medical system.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-EIC-ACC-BF - HORIZON EIC Accelerator Blended FinanceCoordinator
6534 AT Nijmegen
Netherlands
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.