Beta-tricalcium phosphate delivery system for bone morphogenetic protein.

An aggregate of biodegradable beta-tricalcium phosphate and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP/TCP) induces the differentiation of cartilage within eight days, cartilage and woven bone within 12 days, and lamellar bone, including bone marrow, within 21 days. The yield of new bone from a 1-mg dose was more than 12 times greater from the TCP/BMP than from the BMP alone. Whether TCP acts as a slow-release delivery system, potentiates the activity of BMP, or serves to distribute BMP in a favorable three-dimensional pattern requires further investigation.