Human bone morphogenetic protein-2

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Medtronic Infuse™ bone graft uses recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) to stimulate the body’s natural bone formation process. It’s the only approved growth factor with a proven mechanism of action that induces new bone growth — without harvesting autograft.1


Infuse™ bone graft

Trusted, proven, predictable.

  • No autograft required. Eliminates the need for iliac crest bone harvesting, reducing OR time and donor site morbidity
  • Procedural versatility. Available in multiple formats for different patient needs.
  • Approved rhBMP-2. The only rhBMP-2 product approved for certain spine, orthopedic, and dental indications.

Step

Process

What happens

1. Implantation rhBMP-2/ACS is implanted. Neither component works alone. Together they initiate bone formation.
2. Chemotaxis Bone-forming cells migrate to the implant site. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are drawn from surrounding tissue.
3. Proliferation MSCs multiply around the implant. rhBMP-2 promotes cell growth and expansion.
4. Differentiation MSCs become osteoblasts (bone-forming cells). Triggered by rhBMP-2 binding to cell receptors.
5. Bone Formation & Angiogenesis New bone and blood vessels form. Trabecular bone replaces the sponge from the outside in.
6. Remodeling Bone adapts to mechanical forces. The new bone behaves like native bone and can self-repair.

Manufacturing rhBMP-2

Precision-engineered for purity

Medtronic manufactures rhBMP-2 using a tightly controlled, two-phase recombinant process to ensure purity, consistency, and sterility.

Phase 1: Gene replication and cell banking

The human gene for BMP-2 is isolated and inserted into mammalian production cells. These cells replicate and are stored in a cell bank at -135°C for future production.

Phase 2: Protein production and purification

Cells are grown in nutrient-rich media (no human or animal components). rhBMP-2 is harvested, purified through four chromatography steps, and sterilized via nanofiltration. Every batch undergoes rigorous quality testing before being freeze-dried and vialed.