CG Bio showcases bone graft substitute Novosis at Indonesia symposium

CG Bio, a Korean developer of generative medicine, is taking a new initiative with the bone fusion solution Novosis in Indonesia.

The company recently hosted the Meet the Experts global symposium, attended by 30 Indonesian orthopedic specialists in Seoul, highlighting new developments and expanded applications for Novosis, CG Bio’s synthetic bone graft substitute.

Indonesia's rapid economic growth and rising living standards increase the demand for advanced medical devices, positioning the country as a key market in Southeast Asia. Although relatively smaller than major markets, Indonesia's market potential has drawn CG Bio’s investment wanting to go global, the company said. 

"The country’s potential is undeniable," a CG Bio official said. "As economic capacity increases, Indonesians can more easily afford high-quality medical equipment, driving market growth."

Launched in Indonesia in 2021 after approval in 2018, Novosis has gained traction through a series of academic seminars that have increased its use and positive outcomes in spinal fusion and fracture repair. The bone graft substitute, composed of CG Bio’s proprietary hydroxyapatite ceramic, is designed for spinal fusion and traumatic fractures. 

"Hydroxyapatite is a ceramic material similar to pottery but highly biocompatible," the CG Bio official said.

Unlike some of CG Bio’s competitors whose sponge-like materials cause rapid leakage of rhBMP-2 under pressure, the official said, Novosis’s ceramic design allows for a slow, controlled release of the protein throughout the bone regeneration period. Novosis is designed as a bone chip that fills various spaces in fractured bones by gradually releasing rhBMP-2 through its porous hydroxyapatite surface, which has a porosity rate exceeding 80 percent. 

“This approach reduces the risk of ectopic bone formation and maintains strength comparable to human bone,” the official added.

The symposium, led by Professor Ismail Hadisoebroto Dilogo of Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, covered the application of Novosis in trauma, joint reconstruction, and hip avascular necrosis. 

The event offered existing and new Novasis users the opportunity to learn new techniques and insights and to unite international specialists to exchange clinical cases and insights. Clinical results were also presented, showing Novosis's application in treating avascular necrosis (AVN) and other conditions prone to delayed bone healing, suggesting potential new uses for the device.

This initiative, part of CG Bio's open collaboration strategy, has facilitated the sharing of various patient treatment cases across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and Singapore, CG Bio said.

The company plans to use this symposium to foster collaboration with local professionals on clinical research and expand globally. According to the CG Bio official, future initiatives will target Europe, South America, Mexico, and New Zealand. 

“The U.S. also remains a major target, given its significant market potential, while Japan, with its expertise in ceramics, represents another key opportunity for the company,” the official said. “In North America and Japan, Novosis is positioned as a leading solution in its category, offering a solid mass design that aligns with local market needs.”

Novosis is classified as a non-reimbursable service in Korea, making it relatively expensive, according to CG Bio. In Indonesia, where a comprehensive payment system is in place rather than reimbursement, costs are managed within hospital surgical budgets. 

CG Bio CEO Yu Hyun-seung said, “ I expect the introduction of a high-dose  Novosis later this year to improve convenience and explore additional indications.”