Global chemical company Evonik has announced that VECOLLAN®, its non-animal-derived collagen-like protein platform, is now available in a grade suitable for use in clinical trials.
Collagen is a protein typically found in bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. It is sometimes used in medical devices to facilitate healing and tissue regeneration.
VECOLLAN is a recombinant, vegan-friendly alternative to collagen, produced through a sustainable fermentation-based process that is said to ensure high purity and consistency. It has tunable properties and is compatible with widely used processing technologies.
Certain forms of VECOLLAN, such as sponges and hydrogels, have reportedly shown significant promise for applications like orthopedics, medical aesthetics, and sports medicine. The new clinical-grade variety is said to mark a significant process scale-up milestone, providing partners with a reliable biomaterial that meets the stringent requirements for clinical use.
“Another step forward”
Evonik is set to offer its partners validated material in 2026, providing a rapid commercialisation pathway. VECOLLAN could help to address common concerns associated with animal-derived collagens, such as variability and allergic reactions, while supporting the development of medical devices that improve safety and performance for patients.
“Our new VECOLLAN® grade is another step forward in our mission to provide high-quality, non-animal-derived collagen alternatives for medical applications and to push the boundaries of medical technology,” said Jeff Smith, head of medical devices at Evonik’s Health Care business line. “Now, we are actively seeking collaborations with partners to facilitate entry into clinical trials.”
