Analogous MACI (animal cells on same membrane) in critical-sized knee/stifle cartilage defects in rabbits and horses: improved repair vs membrane alone or empty defect
“Collectively, the rabbit and equine studies indicate that implantation of MACI secured with a commercially available fibrin sealant resulted in improved repair of critical-sized defects in the knee/stifle, compared to implanted membrane alone or empty defect.”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 3Source ↗
Why that model
Not stated in public reviews
Not reported in the public reviews. Reviewers summarise selectively, so this usually means it wasn't discussed publicly, not that it wasn't studied.
Reviewer's view of the efficacy data
Horse study showed MACI can repair cartilage defects with some biomechanical gains, but repair not identical to native cartilage
“this study demonstrated that implantation with MACI is capable of repairing cartilage defects. Improved results were observed in some biomechanical testing outcomes over implanted ACI-Maix membrane alone or no agent (empty defect). However, he also noted that biomechanical properties and repair with MACI are not identical to native cartilage.”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 23Source ↗