Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

  1. Carticel

Descriptions


Autologous cultured chondrocytes are used, as part of an overall program (that includes knee surgery and special exercises), to help repair damaged knee cartilage caused by acute or repetitive trauma in patients who had not responded to a prior arthroscopic or other surgical repair procedure. Cartilage is a type of tissue that joins together and helps support parts of the body. Autologous cultured chondrocytes are the patient's own cartilage cells. The cells are removed from the patient and sent to a laboratory, where they are processed to increase their number. The cells are then implanted (placed) in the damaged part of the knee. After implantation, the chondrocytes help form new, healthy cartilage.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a trained doctor.