Bioprinting company T&R Biofab has announced a new collaboration agreement with Ethicon, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson Medical Device Company. The aim of the partnership is to develop a 3D bioprinted soft tissue scaffold for wound treatments, reconstructive surgery and more.

Based in South Korea, T&R Biofab develops and commercializes bioresorbable medical devices and bioinks. The company also pursues research in the area of bioprinted organoids and cell therapeutics. Ethicon, for its part, is a subsidiary of pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson that specializes in wound closure devices and surgical sutures.

Through the collaboration, the companies will leverage their medical expertise to develop soft tissue regeneration and repair products that are differentiated from existing and conventionally manufactured products on the market. The jointly developed products will be produced using T&R Biofab’s 3D platform, which combines polymer, in situ extracellular matrix proteins and 3D bioprinting.

Dr. Wonsoo Yun, CEO of T&R Biofab, commented on the partnership, saying: “We would like to use this opportunity as a stepping stone to generate synergy through the joint R&D agreement with Ethicon, Inc.”

The soft tissue scaffolds developed by the two companies will be intended for use supporting, repairing, elevating or reinforcing anatomical and structural deficiencies. More specifically, the bioprinted tissues could be used for wound treatment applications, such as wound closure and patches; hernia repair; tendon repair; hand surgery; for reinforcing soft tissue in reconstructive or cosmetic surgery; repairing fascial defects; and reconstructing soft tissues.

As per the agreement, Ethicon will be able to “commercially exploit” T&R Biofab’s bioprinting technology with exclusivity. The partnership agreement is being managed by the Johnson & Johnson 3D Printing Center.