Globenewswire·2025-10-09 16:30Core Insights - The American Medical Association (AMA) has established a Category I Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for the CARTIHEAL AGILI-C Cartilage Repair Implant, effective January 1, 2027, highlighting its clinical significance and adoption [1][2]. Clinical Impact - The CARTIHEAL Implant has shown an 87% reduction in the relative risk of total knee arthroplasty or osteotomy at 4 years compared to traditional methods like microfracture or debridement, based on data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial [4]. - This implant provides an additional treatment option for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA), allowing for earlier intervention in their treatment journey [4]. Reimbursement and Access - The new CPT code will streamline reimbursement processes for healthcare providers and payers, facilitating the integration of the CARTIHEAL Implant into standard clinical practice [5]. - The AMA's recognition of the procedure's clinical efficacy and safety supports broader access to this technology, which addresses an unmet need in cartilage repair [5][6]. Product Overview - The CARTIHEAL Implant is a commercially available solution in the U.S. and is composed of aragonite, a naturally occurring calcium carbonate, functioning as a biphasic scaffold for cartilage repair and restoration of subchondral bone [7]. - Smith+Nephew, the company behind the CARTIHEAL Implant, generated annual sales of $5.8 billion in 2024 and operates in around 100 countries [11].