Patent ID: 6028242
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: A61L,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of inducing endochondral bone formation or articular cartilage formation in a mammal, the method comprising the steps of:(a) implanting at a preselected locus in the mammal, a terminally sterilized osteogenic device produced by the steps of:(i) providing an osteogenic device comprising in combinationa biocompatible, biodegradable insoluble carrier comprising a natural or synthetic polymeric material and dimensioned to permit infiltration, proliferation, and differentiation of migratory progenitor cells when implanted into the mammal, and disposed therein,an isolated, biologically active osteogenic protein comprising a pair of disulfide bonded polypeptide chains which is competent to induce endochondral bone formation or articular cartilage formation when disposed in the carrier and implanted into the mammal, and(ii) exposing the osteogenic device of step (i) to ionizing radiation in an amount sufficient to achieve a sterility assurance factor of 10.sup.-6 thereby to produce a terminally sterilized osteogenic device which is competent to induce endochondral bone formation or articular cartilage formation in the mammal; and(b) permitting the terminally sterilized osteogenic device to induce endochondral bone formation or articular cartilage formation at the preselected locus.