Smith+Nephew Reports Positive CartiHeal Agili-C Data

Smith+Nephew has released results from a recent randomized controlled trial treating knee defects with its CartiHeal Agili-C cartilage repair implant. The trial compared Agili-C to the current standard of care.

The CartiHeal implant, which previously earned breakthrough designation, has transformed cartilage repair.

Agili-C is an off-the-shelf, one-step treatment for osteochondral (bone and cartilage) lesions with a broader indication than existing treatments. It’s a porous, biocompatible, and resorbable scaffold which promotes natural regeneration of the articular cartilage and restoration of its underlying subchondral bone.

It’s indicated to treat a wide patient population, including those with lesions in knees with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, a previously unaddressed condition, as well as the about 700,000 patients that receive cartilage repair annually in the U.S.

Trial data showed those treated with Agili-C reported “significantly better” knee pain relief and quality of life improvements over four years. The patients also reported “superior improvements” in performing activities related to daily living, sports, and recreation at two and four years.

The scaffold effectively treated a broad patient group across age, lesion size, and osteoarthritis presence which delivering clinically meaningful results.

CartiHeal Agili-C will be featured at this week’s Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) annual meeting. Professor Elizaveta Kon from Humanitas Research Hospital, who plans to present four-year outcomes of the implant with respect to gender during AANA 2025, highlighted the importance of inclusivity in study design.

“We need a technology that we can trust to work in the patients we see day-to-day,” professor Kon told the press. “This is where CartiHeal has excelled, showcasing superior performance across genders, lesion location, and more.”

Dr. Vinod Dasa of Louisiana State University School of Medicine finds the technology particularly meaningful for his patients.

“The patients that come to see me are looking for a bridging procedure that enables them to continue their day-to-day life, playing with their kids and grandkids,” said Dr. Dasa. “In addition to the pain relief and functional gains, the 87% reduction in the risk of subsequent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and osteotomy compared to the surgical standard of care resonates with almost every patient. The potential to delay if not avoid TKA is top of mind of almost every patient with mild/moderate osteoarthritis.”

Smith+Nephew acquired CartiHeal in January 2024.