Study: Allogenic morphogenetic protein shows better fusion than rhBMP-2

Patients who undergo lumbar fusion procedures with an allogenic morphogenetic protein have higher fusion rates in comparison to patients who undergo the same procedures with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein, according to recently published data.

Jeffrey Roh, MD, from Orthopedics International, and colleagues conducted a study of 321 patients who underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and lateral interbody fusions procedures. Overall, 226 patients received an allogenic morphogenetic protein (OsteoAMP , Advanced Biologics), while 95 patients received a recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) (Infuse, Medtronic) with autologous local bone. An independent radiologist blinded to intervention, product and surgeon information assessed the patients for fusion and related complications at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months postoperatively.

The researchers found higher rates of fusion for the allogenic morphogenetic protein at 6 months, 12 months and 18 months. Of the patients received the allogenic morphogenetic protein, 59.7% of patients showed radiographic fusion at 6 months, 93.3% at 12 months and 98.9% at 18 months. For the patients who received rhBMP-2, 39.3% of patients had fusion at 6 months, 83.5% fusion at 12 months and 90.1% at 18 months. The total time for fusion for patients who received the allogenic morphogenetic protein was 207.9 days, compared to 333.9 days for patients who received rhBMP-2.

The researchers also concluded that the allogenic morphogenetic protein was approximately 74% less expensive, per level and per patient, than rhBMP-2.

Reference:

Roh JS. J Orthop Surg Res. 2013;doi:10.1186/1749-799x-8-49.

Disclosure: Roh is an unpaid consultant for Advanced Biologics and holds shares in the company.