Innovation in bone healing and tissue repair
Fibrin Matrix Platform
Fibrin is a natural biomaterial and the main structural component of blood clots. Fibrin acts as a healing matrix and promotes tissue repair while restoring tissue function. Through a natural polymerization mechanism, fibrin is formed by the conversion of a soluble precursor (fibrinogen) to a solid degradable matrix.
As a commercial product, fibrin sealants (without biologics) have been used for more than 30 years, primarily for the prevention of blood loss during a variety of surgical procedures. Based on this clinical experience, fibrin sealants are considered to be very safe with a long history of use and a well-documented safety profile.
Kuros’ key proprietary technology platform is based on the local, covalent attachment of biologics into this fibrin matrix, Kuros’ TG-Hook technology.
Kuros’ TG-Hook technology
Kuros’ TG-Hook technology enables covalent linking of biologics, such as growth factors, to fibrin-based biomaterials, while allowing their controlled release by natural enzymes in the tissue. Using this technology, the biologics become an integral part of the biomaterial. The mechanism used for covalently linking biologics is derived from the formation of a natural blood clot, a transglutaminase (TG) enzyme called Factor XIIIa is responsible for cross-linking fibrin molecules, thereby forming a solid matrix, whose normal function is to stop blood loss. Kuros’ products employ this same mechanism to cross-link biologics into fibrin during the formation of the fibrin polymer. The TG-Hook technology is further designed such that the active domain of the biologic can be released upon cellular infiltration into the matrix.
There are several advantages to this approach.
- The material solidifies and cross-links in-situ to adopt the shape of the defect it is being administered to, which also allows administration into smaller or more complex defects and access sites (e.g. fine fractures and minimally invasive spinal procedures) or by spray or foam.
- The cross-linking mechanism is entirely biocompatible as it employs the natural blood clotting process, thereby preventing any local tissue damage while maintaining the functional integrity of the biological.
- The composite is mainly composed of fibrin, which is nature’s healing matrix, thereby promoting natural healing based on cellular infiltration.
- The resulting product has the required biologic covalently incorporated, ensuring local retention, as well as minimizing systemic exposure and effects on surrounding tissues.
- The biologic has been designed to only become active when it is cleaved from the fibrin matrix by infiltrating cells – hence the material has been designed to be effective in response to the local healing mechanism and only become available locally and at the rate of the local healing process.
- Because the polymer is composed of natural materials, it ultimately degrades completely leaving only healed tissue.
