MediValue Develops World's First Moisture-Curing Bone Graft Material

"We will open an era where even loose teeth can be saved with simple treatment."

Noh Hyung-tae, CEO of MediValue, made this statement during an interview with Seoul Economic Daily at the company's Yeouido office on the 18th while explaining the company's hardening bone graft material "MBS (MediValue Bone Solution)."

"There is still no commercialized moisture-curing bone graft material that hardens in wet conditions anywhere in the world," Noh said. "If we succeed in development, we expect significant response not only domestically but also in overseas markets."

MediValue is a digital healthcare startup founded in 2021 by Noh, a former dentist. Drawing from frustrations experienced while running his own dental clinic, he has introduced various dental-related services. In its early days, the company launched "MediValue," an e-commerce platform for purchasing various medical materials and products. The platform digitized a previously offline-focused market, securing a loyal customer base through easy price comparisons and lower distribution costs.

The company is currently concentrating its capabilities on MBS development. After approximately five years of research and development, it has completed prototype development and entered clinical procedures for commercialization. The company entered the preclinical stage in November last year and aims to begin formal clinical trials this fall, targeting commercialization in the second half of 2027. The outlook for clinical results is positive. Since MBS was developed by newly combining materials already used in existing dental treatments, the likelihood of harm to the human body is low, according to the company.

"Implant products also applied titanium, previously used in orthopedics, to teeth—a simple idea that revolutionized the global dental treatment market," Noh said. "We expect MBS can also change the treatment paradigm simply by newly formulating existing materials and changing how they are used."

MBS combines a ceramic-based structure with substances that promote bone cell growth. Existing bone graft materials were difficult to harden in moist environments and had limitations in maintaining structure, causing them to scatter easily. In contrast, this product uses a moisture-curing method that hardens in the presence of water or blood, allowing direct application around loose teeth. This creates a structure within the gums that provides space for bone regeneration.

MediValue expects MBS to become an effective alternative for preserving and treating loose teeth caused by aging and weakened gums. Previously, extraction was virtually the only treatment option for loose teeth. Additionally, MBS's ability to harden in moist environments makes the procedure relatively simple. This could allow patients to delay or avoid implants when not absolutely necessary. Furthermore, MBS can be used for post-treatment care when jawbone weakens after implant surgery, making it highly valuable for dental clinics as well.

Academia has also shown strong interest in MediValue's MBS, with expectations that it could revolutionize the dental treatment market. The company is collaborating with experts from major domestic university hospitals to prepare papers for publication in international academic journals. The paper is expected to be completed as early as the first half of this year.

"As global aging accelerates, demand for dental treatment will grow rapidly, inevitably leading to increased social costs," Noh said. "As both a dentist and entrepreneur, I will continue to develop products that give patients treatment options beyond extraction."