Berlin, Germany – aap Implantate AG has announced the early termination of patient recruitment for its human clinical trial on innovative antibacterial surface-treated implants, following approval from the Federal Office for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) and the lead ethics committee. The decision comes as a result of consistently positive trial results and the successful recruitment of 202 patients by August 6, 2024. The trial will continue with a one-year follow-up period, concluding in August 2025.
This milestone marks a significant achievement for aap, representing a EUR 15 million investment in development and associated costs. The company believes this positions them as a frontrunner in the antibacterial trauma implant market, estimated to be worth billions.
Clinical Trial Details and Outcomes
The clinical trial assessed the efficacy and safety of aap's antibacterial surface-treated implants in patients requiring trauma implants. The low incidence rate observed during the trial prompted the application for early termination of patient recruitment in July 2024, which was subsequently approved.
Rubino Di Girolamo, CEO of aap Implantate AG, expressed his satisfaction with the approval, stating, “We are very pleased about the approval granted by the BfArM and the leading ethics committee. This underlines a successful intermediate step, which was achieved after several obstacles through persistent adherence to the goal and brings aap‘s opportunity to make a significant contribution to the fight against antibiotic resistance closer.”
Path to Market and Future Plans
With the clinical trial progressing favorably, aap is now focusing on the MDR (Medical Device Regulation) registration process. The company aims to secure authorization for an initial product group between 2026 and 2027, contingent on regulatory requirements. The estimated cost for product approval in the period 2025 – 2027 is projected to be between EUR 1 million and EUR 2 million.
aap also plans to initiate small series production to meet anticipated demand from participating clinics and doctors who have expressed strong interest in the product. The scope of product approvals and production capacities may be expanded based on funding commitments or licensing agreements with strategic market participants.
About aap Implantate AG
aap Implantate AG is a global medical technology company based in Berlin, Germany, specializing in the development, production, and marketing of products for traumatology. Their portfolio includes the LOQTEQ® anatomical plate system, cannulated screws, and a pipeline of innovative projects such as antibacterial silver coating technology and magnesium-based implants. The company distributes its products directly in Germany and through a network of distributors in approximately 25 countries internationally. In the USA, aap utilizes a hybrid sales strategy through its subsidiary, aap Implants Inc.
