Taiwanese regenerative medicine company ACRO Biomedical has secured Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) approval for its ABCcolla Collagen Ophthalmic Matrix.
The product uses supercritical carbon dioxide decellularisation technology to enhance biocompatibility and tissue regeneration, providing an alternative for corneal transplants
It is the world’s first such product to employ the technology that ensures the removal of cells and impurities from animal-derived corneal tissue while preserving the collagen scaffold, said the company.
The ABCcolla Collagen Ophthalmic Matrix is patented in 15 countries, and no similar products are available in the Taiwanese market.
ACRO Biomedical chairman and CEO DJ Hsieh said: “Our vision is to address the global shortage of transplantable tissues and organs, ensuring that every patient in need of a corneal transplant can receive timely treatment.
“This approval not only validates our technology but also brings hope to those awaiting transplantation.”
ACRO developed the collagen matrix using porcine corneas, which closely resemble human corneal structure.
It serves as an alternative to donated human corneas, reducing immune rejection risks.
The product was validated as a viable substitute in reconstruction surgeries, through clinical trials in patients with corneal damage from melting, trauma, or infections.
ACRO Biomedical said that its advanced product aims to reduce reliance on donated corneas, restoring sight for more patients worldwide.
Established in 2014, ACRO Biomedical develops and produces biomaterial medical devices for human tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM).
The company uses unique supercritical CO₂ extraction technology to remove cells, fat and non-collagenous proteins from animal tissues.
The technology can be used in the medical regenerative field of wound care, orthopaedics, dentistry, ophthalmology, aesthetic microsurgery, cardiovascular and neural surgery, etc.
