Innovation at the Cellular Level

Based in Reutlingen, Germany, TETEC has over 20 years of experience in developing innovative cell-based therapies for cartilage regeneration. We offer two matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) procedures: Injectable MACT and Scaffold-Based MACT. Together, these two treatment procedures have been used to treat more than 30,000 patients to date [1].

As part of the Octane Medical Group, a global organization focused on bioprocess development and automation, we continue to advance manufacturing processes and biomaterials for the next generation of cartilage regeneration.

Mikroskopaufnahme zahlreicher verschlungener Zellen auf blauem Hintergrund.
Chondrocytes in monolayer expansion culture (microscopic image)
Source: TETEC AG
OUR VISION

Setting a New Standard

Today, the manufacture of autologous matrix-associated chondrocyte transplants remains a complex process with demanding requirements for logistics, infrastructure, and quality assurance.

Together with Octane, we are working to reimagine this process. We are developing automated cell manufacturing technologies that could enable production closer to the patient while maintaining consistently high quality standards. Our goal is to make regenerative therapies more accessible and easier to integrate into routine clinical practice. Ultimately, we aim to help establish regenerative medicine as the new standard of care.

Transparent purple rectangular container inside a white, circular medical or lab device on a metallic table.
TETEC AND OCTANE COCOON®

Powering Tomorrow's Care

Innovative technologies such as the Octane Cocoon® bioreactor play a central role in our vision. This closed, automated system enables cell therapies to be produced under GMP conditions and could help bring manufacturing closer to the point of care. Learn more about Cocoon® and its potential to support the next generation of cartilage regeneration.

TETEC PROCEDURES

Cell-Based Cartilage Regeneration for the Knee

TETEC offers two cell-based treatment procedures for cartilage regeneration: Injectable MACT and Scaffold-Based MACT.

Ein Arzt hält ein anatomisches Modell eines Knies und zeigt darauf mit einem Stift.
Injectable MACT

Injectable MACT is a cell-based procedure for the treatment of focal cartilage defects of the knee. The procedure uses a patient's own cartilage cells in combination with an injectable hydrogel for transplantation into the cartilage defect [2]. In clinical studies and earlier publications, this procedure has also been referred to as hydrogel-based ACI or Injectable M-ACI.

  • A patient's own cartilage cells suspended in an injectable hydrogel
  • Minimally invasive arthroscopic transplantation
  • May be performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on the indication
Illustration eines Knies mit hervorgehobener Kniescheibe und Bändern.
Scaffold-Based MACT

In Scaffold-Based MACT, a patient's own cartilage cells are seeded onto a collagen scaffold and transplanted into the cartilage defect [3].

  • Collagen-based scaffold seeded with a patient's own cartilage cells
  • Transplantation via a small surgical approach (mini-arthrotomy)
  • May be performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on the indication
Blauer Himmel mit Wolken neben der metallischen Außenwand eines Gebäudes.
INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH

From Discovery to Therapy

TETEC combines expertise in cell biology, biomedical engineering, materials science, and orthopaedics. In collaboration with academic, clinical, and industrial partners, we investigate and develop new biomaterials, optimize cell culture processes, and translate scientific discoveries into innovative therapies while adhering to the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

Our Leadership

Our leadership team brings together decades of experience across the full value chain of innovative therapies, from research and development through manufacturing to commercialization.

Executive Board
Dr. Robert C. Spiro
CEO
Mann mit Brille trägt ein kariertes Sakko und ein weißes Hemd vor hellem Hintergrund.
Supervisory Board
Timothy Smith
Chairman
Älterer Mann mit Brille, grauem Bart, hellblauem Hemd und dunkelblauem Pullover vor hellem Hintergrund.
Supervisory Board
Ian Grant
Member

Our Network

TETEC collaborates with leading academic, clinical, and industrial partners to advance research and therapeutic development in regenerative medicine.

Scientific Recognition

Around 20 years ago, we introduced one of the first matrix-associated cell-based cartilage repair products to the German market. Members of our development team, as well as research associated with TETEC-developed biological cartilage repair procedures, have received prestigious scientific awards, including honours from the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI), the Association for Orthopaedic Research (AFOR), and the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU).

TETEC Locations

Our sites in Germany, Canada, and the United States provide the infrastructure and manufacturing capacity needed to reliably serve existing markets while supporting future growth.

Historischer Turm neben bunten Gebäuden und einer Grünfläche bei blauem Himmel.
Reutlingen, Germany
GMP-compliant manufacturing facility for cell therapies
Stadtpanorama mit Ufer, Bäumen, mehreren Gebäuden und einem Turm mit einer Kuppel bei klarem Himmel.
Kingston, ON, CANADA
Development and manufacturing of the Cocoon® bioreactor
Luftaufnahme einer mittelgroßen Stadt mit Gebäuden, Bäumen und einem bewölkten Himmel.
Breinigsville, PA, USA
GMP-compliant manufacturing facility for cell therapies
OUR FACILITY

Where Innovation Meets Quality

Our Reutlingen site, located near Stuttgart Airport, is equipped with modern cleanroom facilities and specialized laboratory infrastructure for cell culture and tissue engineering. Together with Octane, we are developing Reutlingen into a centre of excellence for cartilage regeneration with capacity to support future growth. Learn more about our facility and the quality and manufacturing standards in place to ensure safe, consistent, and regulatory-compliant production.

Modernes Gebäude mit Glasgang, asphaltiertem Weg, Rasen und blauem Himmel mit Wolken.

Regulatory Standards and Compliance

Cell therapies are manufactured under strict European regulatory standards to ensure the highest levels of safety, quality, and traceability.

ATMP Classification
Cell- and tissue-based therapies are regulated in the European Union as Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) and are subject to specific regulatory requirements.
GMP Compliance
Cell therapies are manufactured in GMP-certified facilities under the oversight of the Tübingen Regional Council and the federal regulatory authority, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut.
Traceability
Comprehensive documentation processes ensure full traceability of every transplant, from tissue harvest through to final product release.
CAREERS

Join Our Growing Team

Help shape the future of regenerative medicine. Our team of more than 140 professionals brings together expertise in cell and molecular biology, medicine, and pharmacology. Whether in quality control, manufacturing, logistics, or research, you will find opportunities for professional development in an environment that fosters individual potential and supports both professional and personal growth. Together, we develop innovative therapies designed to improve the health and quality of life of patients.

Frau in Schutzkleidung und Maske hält Tabletten auf Tablett in pharmazeutischem Reinraum.

"I value taking on responsibility and actively driving change. Working together with the different teams makes this role especially exciting.”

Larissa Bocks

Director HR & Business Operations

"I am motivated by improving processes and tackling challenges within interdisciplinary teams. As a relatively small and diverse company with flat hierarchies, decision-making processes can be carried out quickly.”

Katharina Reinhardt Heller

Vice President Manufacturing Operations

"TETEC AG is also a wonderful employer for career starters, offering a great first step from the university environment into industry. The helpfulness of the colleagues turns an applicant into a fully valued team member.”

Raphael Parusel

Team Lead Supply Chain Management, Supplier Quality

NEWS & EVENTS

What's New at TETEC

2025-01-02

TETEC AG’S CDMO business is now Octane CDMO, a global operation with automation expertise

Kingston, Ontario, January 2, 2025 – The Octane Medical Group is pleased to announce that the contract development and manufacturing arm of its German subsidiary TETEC AG...

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2024-06-11

Octane Medical acquires B. Braun’s global orthobiologics business

Kingston, Ontario, Canada / Melsungen, Germany, June 5th, 2024 – Octane Medical Group...

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2023-12-18

Application for central authorisation submitted to the EMA

TETEC AG has submitted an application for centralized approval of a gel-based matrix-associated cartilage cell product as an advanced...

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Connect with TETEC

Conferences

Connect with TETEC at upcoming MACT congresses and events

03.-05.12.26

TIRM Regensburg "Osteotomy Plus Around the Knee"

05.12.2026

Sporttraumatologisches Symposium Sportheum Sportklinik Fellbach

13./14.11.26

QKG Basis- u. Spezialkurs Essen

15./16.10.26

6. Berliner Traumakurs am Unfallkrankenhaus

17.-19.09.26

43. AGA Jahreskongress Innsbruck

20./21.11.26

Update Neuss

27./28.11.26

15. Jahreskongress d. Dt. Kniegesellschaft München

Contact TETEC

Do you need more information about us, our products, the MACT procedure or our user training?

Contact UsOranges Firmenschild von TETEC Tissue Engineering Technologies AG vor modernem Bürogebäude.

Keep Exploring

Learn more about our treatment options for cartilage defects. Our information for patients and healthcare professionals helps you quickly find the content most relevant to your needs.

Literature

1. Data on file. TETEC AG. Internal registry and internal documentation of Injectable MACT and Scaffold-Based MACT procedures performed in Germany. Reutlingen (DE): TETEC AG; 2025.

2. TETEC AG. Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) NOVOCART® Inject. Reutlingen (DE): TETEC AG; 2026. Revision date: 02/2026. PEI.A.11763.01.1.

3. TETEC AG. Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) NOVOCART® 3D. Reutlingen (DE): TETEC AG; 2023. Revision date: 11/2023. PEI.A.11511.01.1.