GEM

FRANKLIN, Tennessee--BioMimetic Therapeutics has announced receipt of CE mark approval of GEM 21S Growth factor Enhanced Matrix in the European Union.

GEM 21S was approved in the EU with broader periodontal and alveolar bone regeneration indications for use than previously approved in the U.S. and Canada. The additional indications approved in the EU are for the treatment of osseous defects resulting from tooth extraction and trauma.

Additionally, GEM 21S is approved in the EU for use in compromised patients where poor healing may occur. This approval, obtained on behalf of Luitpold Pharmaceuticals triggers a $10 million final milestone payment from Luitpold to the company.

This milestone payment was a condition of the company’s sale of GEM 21S to Luitpold in 2008. The $10 million milestone payment will be in addition to the company’s 2011 year-end cash guidance of $55 to $62 million.

GEM 21S is a fully synthetic regeneration system for the treatment of dental bony defects and associated gingival recession. GEM 21S is composed of the tissue growth factor, recombinant human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor, and a synthetic bone matrix, Beta-tricalcium phosphate.

GEM 21S is a synthetic product combining a purified recombinant growth factor with a synthetic bone matrix that was approved by the FDA for human application. The combination of the two components of GEM 21S is key to the overall effectiveness of the product.

The rhPDGF-BB provides the biological stimulus for tissue repair by stimulating angiogenesis and the proliferation of osteoblasts, cells responsible for the formation of bone, while the Beta-tricalcium phosphate provides the framework or scaffold for new bone growth to occur.

Practice transition with a twist

GEM 21S is nearly identical to Augment Bone Graft, the company’s orthopedic bone regeneration product, which is also under review by the EU and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Each product consists of the company’s proprietary rhPDGF-BB and Beta-tricalcium phosphate bone matrix formulation.

“GEM 21S has been used extensively in patients requiring dental bone grafting in the U.S. and Canada and we are very pleased that it is now approved for treatment of patients in the EU,” said Dr. Samuel Lynch, founder, president and CEO of BioMimetic Therapeutics. “Additionally, the $10 million milestone payment will provide additional working capital for BioMimetic to seek regulatory approval and commercialize Augment in orthopedic indications around the world.”

The company also announced earlier receipt of a comprehensive post-panel response letter from the FDA.

For additional information,visit www.biomimetics.com.

To comment on this topic, go to community.pennwelldentalgroup.com/.