CollPlant and Stratasys announce preclinical study for regenerative breast implants

CollPlant Biotechnologies (Nasdaq: CLGN) and Stratasys Ltd (Nasdaq: SSYS) announced the initiation of a preclinical study of 200 cc regenerative breast implants printed on a Stratasys Origin 3D printer.

CollPlant’s implants are made from rhCollagen, a recombinant human collagen specifically designed to regenerate natural breast tissue without causing an immune response. The aim of this study is to investigate the ability of the implants to promote natural breast tissue and degrade completely over time. This technology could offer a significant alternative to conventional silicone breast implants, which are associated with risks and complications. The market for breast implants is estimated to be worth around 3 billion US dollars worldwide, with reconstructive and aesthetic procedures accounting for a significant proportion.

“This pre-clinical study marks a significant step forward in our effort to provide patients with care using regenerative medicine instead of traditional implants,” said Stratasys CEO Dr. Yoav Zeif. “CollPlant’s work is truly inspiring, and our collaboration exemplifies how Stratasys partners with customers to push the timeline and the boundaries of innovation. Together, we are driven by a shared mission to challenge the status quo and find new ways to improve lives and advance healthcare.”

Previous studies had already shown that the implants had a well-developed connective tissue structure with blood vessels, indicating successful tissue regeneration. The implants remained structurally stable while the degradation process began, with no undesirable tissue reactions. These results underscore the potential of CollPlant’s novel implants to overcome the previous challenges of breast surgery and significantly improve patient outcomes.

Yehiel Tal, CEO of CollPlant, commented, “We are extremely happy about the progress we’ve made with our breast implants program, and with Stratasys’ successful achievement to develop a printer that enables us to print a commercial-size implant with high resolution and optimal physical properties. The combined pioneering technologies of both companies is expected to streamline the development and production process so that we have the most efficient means to produce our regenerative breast implants. We believe that our rhCollagen-based regenerative implant has the potential to overcome the challenges of existing breast procedures that use silicone implants or autologous fat transfer, thereby significantly improving patient outcomes.”

The collaboration between Stratasys and CollPlant demonstrates how modern 3D printing technologies and innovative biotechnological approaches can be brought together to develop the next generation of implants that are not only functional but also biologically compatible. This could have a lasting impact on the future of plastic surgery and regenerative medicine.