Biotechnology research and developement
The year 2000 marked the start of a new millennium – and with the founding of TETEC AG, the journey towards an innovative, cell-based therapy solution. With a passion for science and research and a drive to sustainably improve people’s health and quality of life, we specialise in tissue engineering technologies. This idea is reflected in our name: TETEC (TE = Tissue Engineering, TEC = Technology) stands for future-oriented treatment methods through autologous tissue replacement
Our core competence is in the area of promising biotechnology opportunities: the development and manufacture of novel cell therapies (ATMPs) and biomaterials for the treatment of complex human musculoskeletal damage and diseases – in particular cartilage damage. Our comprehensive research and development programme is also focussed on novel therapies for the treatment of conditions including osteoarthritis and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Cell therapies
Cell-based treatments and medicinal products for novel therapies
We develop and produce products for innovative treatments through our own projects as well as in cooperation with or on behalf of external partners. Our experts combine knowledge of cell and molecular biology with the highest level of clinical and pharmacological know-how – and set new standards in regenerative medicine in the process.
Different cell types and culture techniques, which may be combined with biomaterials specially developed for the respective therapy, are used for our products. To standardise manufacturing and quality assurance processes in each project, we develop our own procedures for the automated production of the products, their preliminary Steps, or individual components.
Cartilage reconstruction
Innovative products for the treatment of cartilage defects
Over the past 20 years, we have developed a range of products for innovative biological cartilage reconstruction procedures. The goal: to regenerate the damaged area of the joint surface with high-quality autologous cartilage tissue – and thus enable patients to live a pain-free and symptom-free life. Goal of therapy with our products: to enable the joint to withstand high loads over the long term and to ensure it is not subject to premature wear. The focus is also on surgery that is as minimally invasive and atraumatic as possible.
Smart biomaterials for cartilage regeneration and more
We have developed an injectable, in-situ crosslinking biomaterial with high compatibility and smart properties. Due to its physical properties, the hydrogel has a regenerative and cartilage-protecting effect. The biomaterial thus promotes cartilage regeneration and also anchors the implanted cartilage cells into the defect area.
In addition, the hydrogel ACIs as a modifiable platform technology in other therapeutic approaches: active pharmaceutical ingredients can be injected directly into the target tissue using the smart biomaterial and are released over a prolonged period of time. The oral intake of, for example, anti-inflammatory active substances in conventional osteoarthritis therapy can be replaced by local injections – and serious side effects could be significantly reduced as a result.
History
From clinic spin-off to innovative biotech company
In 2000, TETEC emerged as a spin-off biotechnological company from the Natural and Medical Sciences Institute (NMI) and the Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Tübingen.
In 2003, TETEC GmbH was converted into an AG: we are part of the global B. Braun Group, our main shareholder is Aesculap AG. Headquartered in Reutlingen, TETEC AG operates as a subsidiary in the global B. Braun Group and therefore has a worldwide network. The development and manufacture of regenerative therapies are at the core of our company.
To date, we have manufactured more than 28,000 individual products under the NOVOCART® brand for the biological reconstruction of cartilage damage in different joints.
With more than 20 years of experience and expertise, TETEC AG is the European market leader in cartilage cell therapy, ATMPs (advanced therapy medicinal products) and suitable biomaterials.
Management
The minds behind TETEC AG: interdisciplinary at all levels
The composition of the members of TETEC AG's executive board is a reflection of our interdisciplinary way of working and the wide-ranging specialist expertise throughout our entire company. With their professional careers, the three executive board members Dr. Detlef Schumann (pharmacist), Dr. Sebastian Braun-Lüdicke (lawyer) and Dr. Christoph Gaissmaier (medical professional) represent many years of experience, know-how and expertise in pharmacology, biotechnology, medical technology, science and healthcare.
Our employees
Versatility and excellence
Our wide-ranging, interdisciplinary teams guarantee the quality of our products – and for future innovations. We currently have more than 130 employees who combine the highest level of cell and molecular biology knowledge with clinical and pharmacological know-how. Our corporate structure enables a high degree of flexibility and targeted, individual advancement of our employees’ careers.
The TETEC AG team is led by specialists from different disciplines – it can be divided into areas including manufacturing, research and development, authorisation and quality. Physicians, cell and molecular biologists, pharmacists and biochemists ensure that our products are developed, manufactured and tested in accordance with the highest quality standards from the first step to the last.
Your partner for cell-based therapy innovations
With our experts in sales, logistics and CDMO, we support the development and commercialisation of ATMPs as a partner experienced in innovative, cell-based product solutions. Our specially trained pharmaceutical representatives and consultants support and advise doctors and surgical staff from the first patient consultation to the end of the treatment.
Our location
Tomorrow’s research meets a down-to-earth attitude
Or location in Reutlingen serves as the ideal base for innovative developments and international sales. The region is characterised by a healthy, pragmatic down-to-earth attitude while, at the same time, lying in the heart of Europe: 25 minutes from Stuttgart Airport (STR) by car and a 2.5-hour drive away from Zurich.
Reutlingen and the surrounding region have a strong, forward-looking scientific and research tradition: TETEC AG is part of the BioRegio STERN biotech network, which currently includes 120 medtech companies and 110 biotech companies. Close collaborations with the local innovation hub NMI and the University of Tübingen are rooted in our origin story – and continue to exist today.
An international network of specialised service providers and research partnerships with biotechnology institutes, universities and industrial partners round off these structures. And last but not least, as part of the B. Braun Group we are part of an extremely efficient global company network. This allows us to guarantee you an excellent sales platform and support you with professional user training and support.
Our mission
Tissue engineering for the health of the future
Our products are focussed on the matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation (M-ACI) procedure. M-ACI been recommended by the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) as a standard treatment for cartilage defects since 2004. The 2022 recommendations refer to treatments of small defects up to 2 cm2 in size.[1] Our mission: With our products, we combine cell and molecular biology knowledge with clinical and pharmaceutical know-how at the highest level – for optimal, patient-specific care.
CDMO services: Your partner for cell-based therapy solutions
But TETEC’s mission does not end with our products: with our CDMO services, we want to share our expertise, experience and know-how and grow at the same time. As your expert partner, we will support you in the development and manufacture of ATMPs – from idea through all the clinical phases all the way to the commercialisation of your finished product.
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35189656