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Cartiva is a technology company.
Cartiva develops and commercializes advanced medical devices, primarily its Synthetic Cartilage Implant (SCI). This FDA-approved implant offers a vital treatment for osteoarthritis, specifically impacting the big toe joint (hallux rigidus). Composed of a durable, compliant synthetic material designed to mimic natural cartilage, it restores function and preserves motion, serving as an effective alternative to traditional fusion procedures.
The company emerged in December 2011, established as a spin-out from Carticept Medical. This formation was driven by the recognition of an unmet need for less invasive, motion-sparing treatments for joint degeneration. The team aimed to develop novel biomaterial solutions that could provide long-term relief while maintaining patient mobility.
Cartiva's product serves patients suffering from debilitating toe arthritis, offering them significant improvements in quality of life through pain reduction and enhanced mobility. The company’s vision centers on advancing joint preservation technologies, empowering individuals to regain active lifestyles by providing innovative and effective surgical alternatives that maximize functional outcomes.
Cartiva has raised $23.5M across 4 funding rounds.
Cartiva has raised $23.5M in total across 4 funding rounds.
Cartiva, Inc. is a medical device company that developed the first FDA-approved synthetic cartilage implant (Cartiva SCI) for treating osteoarthritis in the great toe joint, offering a joint-preserving alternative to fusion surgery with pain reduction and improved mobility.[1][2] The implant, made from polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel mimicking natural cartilage, serves orthopedic surgeons and patients with cartilage damage or osteoarthritis, addressing the limitations of traditional metal fusion by preserving natural joint motion.[1][2][5] Backed by $24-35 million in funding and 28 patents focused on arthritis treatments, Cartiva raised revenue to about $5 million before its acquisition, though it later faced implant recalls due to degradation issues leading to pain and revision surgeries.[1][2][3]
Cartiva originated from research at Georgia Tech by David Ku, a 61-year-old professor of mechanical engineering, engineering entrepreneurship, and surgeon, who developed polyvinyl alcohol material initially for artificial blood vessels to study blood flow.[2] His students' work led to a company acquired by Carticept Medical Inc. in 2008, which spun off Cartiva Inc. in 2011 in Alpharetta, Georgia.[1][2] Early traction came from FDA approval of the Cartiva SCI implant, supported by the largest clinical study for great toe osteoarthritis, with venture backing from New Enterprise Associates, Windham Venture Partners, and Domain Associates.[1][2] The management team included orthopedics experts experienced in device development, trials, and commercialization.[1]
Cartiva rode the trend toward joint-preserving orthopedic implants amid rising osteoarthritis prevalence, driven by aging populations and demand for alternatives to fusion surgeries that limit mobility.[1][2] Timing aligned with FDA approval enabling commercialization in a musculoskeletal market needing durable, cartilage-mimicking biomaterials, influencing medtech by pioneering hydrogel applications beyond contacts lenses.[2][4] It spurred competition and innovation in arthritis treatments while highlighting regulatory and accountability challenges, as recalls exposed device failure risks, prompting lawsuits and scrutiny on manufacturing defects in the medical device ecosystem.[3]
Cartiva was acquired by Wright Medical Group NV, integrating its technology into a larger orthopedics portfolio focused on motion-preserving solutions.[6] Post-acquisition, challenges emerged with a recall of remaining implants due to high failure rates, degradation, pain, and revision needs, leading to litigation alleging withheld risks.[3] Looking ahead, Wright may refine the platform for new indications like thumb or ankle arthritis, shaped by trends in biomaterials and personalized implants, though legal and safety hurdles could temper expansion—ultimately underscoring the high-stakes balance of innovation and patient safety in medtech.[1][2][3][6] This evolution from Georgia Tech spinout to acquired asset with recalls ties back to Cartiva's core promise of transformative cartilage repair, now tested in real-world accountability.
Cartiva has raised $23.5M in total across 4 funding rounds.
Cartiva's investors include Justin Klein, Vensana Capital, Windham Venture Partners, New Enterprise Associates, Andrew Rico.
Cartiva has raised $23.5M across 4 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $9.0M Series E in January 2017.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2017 | $9.0M Series E | Justin Klein | Vensana Capital, Windham Venture Partners |
| May 1, 2015 | $9.0M Series D | New Enterprise Associates | Vensana Capital, Windham Venture Partners |
| Jan 8, 2014 | $1.5M Debt | Andrew Rico | |
| Jul 1, 2013 | $4.0M Series A | Justin Klein | Vensana Capital |