We offer a novel solution to treat cartilage lesions. Indeed, once damaged, cartilage has a very limited capacity for self-repair and, if left untreated, often evolves into osteoarthritis, the most common degenerative joint disorder.
Vanarix has developed and patented a method for the production of Cartibeads™, which are bio-engineered cartilage grafts resembling native articular cartilage. This innovative product aims to regenerate cartilage damage and targets focal lesions and early osteoarthritis. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Cartibeads™ in the treatment of cartilage lesions, showing a complete integration of the grafts with the native environment.

A First-In-Man study with Autologous Cartibeads™ (made from the patient’s own cells) began in 2022 and has completed recruitment. Preliminary data from this study indicate initial safety and efficacy of Autologous Cartibeads™ in treating knee cartilage lesions.
Currently, a First-In-Man study to treat knee cartilage lesions with Allogeneic Cartibeads™ (made from donor cells) is ongoing. Allogeneic Cartibeads™ are produced on-demand, are quickly available and do not require tissue compatibility, offering a significant advancement in cartilage repair. Recruitment is expected to be completed in 2024 at our clinical sites: at the Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (Lugano), Balgrist University Hospital (Zurich), Geneva University Hospital (Geneva), and at the Centre de Médicine du Sport et de L’exercice in Hirslanden Clinique La Colline (Geneva).

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