Terminally sterilized osteogenic devices and preparation thereof

摘要

Disclosed are terminally sterilized osteogenic devices for implantation into a mammal. The devices contain a combination of a biologically active osteogenic protein and an insoluble carrier which after being combined are sterilized by exposure to ionizing radiation, for example, by exposure to gamma rays or an electron beam. The terminally sterilized devices of the invention are characterized in that they induce bone formation following implantation into a mammal. Also disclosed is a method for inducing bone formation in a mammal by implanting a terminally sterilized device of the invention into a preselected locus in a mammal. Also disclosed is a method for preparing the terminally sterilized device of the invention.