Your Knee in Good Hands
Cartilage damage to the knee can significantly limit mobility and quality of life.
MesemCart offers a new, gentle, and innovative approach to biologically regenerate damaged cartilage. The therapy is currently being evaluated in a clinical trial.
The knee joint - a masterpiece of biomechanics
The knee joint is one of the largest and most complex joints in the human body. It enables essential movements such as flexion, extension, and rotation, playing a central role in everyday activities and athletic performance. Its unique structure provides the perfect balance between stability and flexibility. Thanks to the coordinated interaction of bones, ligaments, and cartilage, the knee remains highly efficient—even under significant stress.
The bones of the knee joint are covered by a protective layer of cartilage that minimizes friction during movement. Articular cartilage is composed of approximately 80% water, a network of collagen fibers for structural support, and a small number of specialized cartilage cells. Its smooth, elastic surface allows the joint bones to glide effortlessly against one another. Highly resilient, cartilage also serves as an effective shock absorber, helping to cushion the knee under stress and maintain smooth, pain-free motion.
How Cartilage Damage in the Knee Develops
The knee joint is the most heavily loaded joint in the human body and, due to its versatility and complex structure, is especially prone to injury. The cartilage that covers the joint surfaces is an avascular tissue — it has no blood supply — which significantly limits its natural ability to heal and regenerate after damage.
Cartilage damage in the knee is commonly caused by overuse, injury, or age-related degeneration. Athletes and individuals with misalignments such as knock knees or bow legs are particularly at risk. Typical symptoms include pain, reduced mobility, and occasional swelling. If left untreated, cartilage damage can progress over time and may eventually lead to osteoarthritis.
As we age, the supply of nutrients to the cartilage via synovial fluid and surrounding bone decreases.This reduction leads to the decline of cartilage cells, making the tissue more vulnerable and promoting the development of cartilage damage.
Therapeutic Approaches
A thorough assessment of the knee joint often includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm suspected cartilage damage. MRI offers detailed insights into the severity and extent of the damage. If symptoms persist, an arthroscopy (joint endoscopy) may also be performed to directly visualize and evaluate the affected area.
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Microfracturing (Bone Marrow Drilling)
Microfracture is a common technique used to treat minor cartilage damage. After removing the damaged cartilage, small holes are drilled into the underlying bone using specialized instruments. This stimulates the release of precursor cells from the bone marrow, which can form cartilage-like repair tissue. However, this newly formed tissue does not fully replicate the structure or function of healthy cartilage.
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Matrix-Augmented Bone Marrow Stimulation (Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis)
Matrix-augmented bone marrow stimulation is an advanced form of microfracture therapy. In addition to creating small channels in the bone to release healing cells, a collagen membrane is applied to cover the defect. This membrane supports cell attachment and guides the formation of new cartilage-like repair tissue.
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Cartilage-Bone Transplantation (Autologous Osteochondral Transplantation)
Bei der Knorpel-Knochentransplantation wird mit einer Hohlstanze ein Knorpel-Knochenzylinder aus einem unbelasteten Bereich des Knies entnommen und passgenau in den Knorpeldefekt eingesetzt. Diese Methode ist besonders zuverlässig und effektiv bei kleinen Knorpelschäden. Sie kann auch angewendet werden, wenn neben dem Knorpel auch der darunterliegende Knochen beschädigt ist.
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Cartilage Cell Transplantation (Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation)
In autologous chondrocyte transplantation, cartilage tissue is first harvested from a healthy area of the joint during an initial procedure. The cells are then multiplied in the laboratory and implanted into the cartilage defect in a second surgery. This method is particularly suited for treating larger cartilage defects and supports the regeneration of functional cartilage tissue.
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Innovative Treatment of Cartilage Defects with MesemCart
BIONCaRT offers an innovative approach to treating cartilage defects using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from the umbilical cord tissue of healthy newborns. These potent cells support the regeneration of new hyaline cartilage, improve the joint environment, reduce inflammation, and provide rapid pain relief.
The treatment is performed via arthroscopy or minimally invasive surgery, during which the cartilage defect is covered with a matrix enriched with MSCs.
Current Clinical Investigation of MesemCart
This innovative procedure is currently being evaluated in a Phase I/IIa clinical trial to assess its safety, tolerability, and early signs of efficacy.
If you are interested in participating, we would be happy to hear from you — please feel free to contact us.
Start of Study
Recruitment starts in summer 2025
Duration of Study
2 Years
Indication
Cartilage Damage of the Knee Joint Without Existing Knee Osteoarthritis
Number of Participants
A Total of 55 Patients Are Planned
Age Group
18 to 60 Years
BMI
< 35 kg/m2
Advantages of MesemCart Over Other Methods
- Treatment For All Patients (Including Those Over 50 Years Old)
- Only One Operation Necessary
- Cell Transplant Immediately Available
- No Stress from Surgical Cell Harvesting
MesemCart - a New Therapy Option for Your Knee
Your Contact Person
Dr. Kristina Thamm
Clinical Trial Management
study@bioncart.com
+49 (0) 160 769 745 3
