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NOVOCART 3D

Aesculap Biologics, LLC · Phase 3 active Biologic ✓ Verified May 2026

NOVOCART 3D is a Cell and tissue therapy Biologic drug developed by Aesculap Biologics, LLC. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Articular cartilage defects of the knee.

NOVOCART 3D is an autologous engineered cartilage construct that regenerates damaged articular cartilage by combining patient's own cells with a 3D scaffold.

NOVOCART 3D is a small molecule used to treat cartilage diseases, including traumatic articular cartilage defects in the knee joint. It has been studied in clinical trials, including a Phase III study comparing its effectiveness to microfracture in treating knee cartilage defects.

Likelihood of approval
58.3% vs 58.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2028–2030
Steps remaining: NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: High
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 3 → approval rate +58.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 3 drugs reach approval ~58.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2028–2030
EMA EU 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2029–2032 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2029–2032 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2029–2032 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2030–2033 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2029–2032 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2029–2033 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2030–2033 +2.3 yr

Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).

Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.

At a glance

Generic nameNOVOCART 3D
SponsorAesculap Biologics, LLC
Drug classCell and tissue therapy
ModalityBiologic
Therapeutic areaOrthopedics / Regenerative Medicine
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

The product uses a patient's own chondrocytes (cartilage cells) expanded ex vivo and seeded onto a 3D collagen-based scaffold to create a tissue-engineered cartilage graft. This construct is implanted into cartilage defects to restore joint surface integrity and function. The approach aims to promote natural cartilage regeneration and repair rather than symptomatic treatment.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Frequently asked questions about NOVOCART 3D

What is NOVOCART 3D?

NOVOCART 3D is a Cell and tissue therapy drug developed by Aesculap Biologics, LLC, indicated for Articular cartilage defects of the knee.

How does NOVOCART 3D work?

NOVOCART 3D is an autologous engineered cartilage construct that regenerates damaged articular cartilage by combining patient's own cells with a 3D scaffold.

What is NOVOCART 3D used for?

NOVOCART 3D is indicated for Articular cartilage defects of the knee.

Who makes NOVOCART 3D?

NOVOCART 3D is developed by Aesculap Biologics, LLC (see full Aesculap Biologics, LLC pipeline at /company/aesculap-biologics-llc).

What drug class is NOVOCART 3D in?

NOVOCART 3D belongs to the Cell and tissue therapy class. See all Cell and tissue therapy drugs at /class/cell-and-tissue-therapy.

What development phase is NOVOCART 3D in?

NOVOCART 3D is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of NOVOCART 3D?

Common side effects of NOVOCART 3D include Graft failure or poor integration, Joint swelling, Pain at implant site, Infection.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing