Member Introduction: Bonalive – Bioactive Technology as a Sustainable Treatment Against Antibiotic Resistance
- Nina Pulkkis
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
The Turku-based company Bonalive develops biomaterials that can replace antibiotics in the treatment of bone infections. In an interview, CEO Marco Hautalahti discusses the company’s growth and innovative technology.
Antibiotic resistance is a growing global problem, and researchers worldwide are seeking new solutions. Founded in Turku in 2009, Bonalive has developed an alternative treatment solution for bone surgery that eliminates the need for antibiotics. The company’s bioactive glass prevents bacterial growth while promoting the natural regeneration of bone.
Innovative Bioactive Glass
The origins of bioactive glass as a material group date back to the 1960s. Bonalive's bioactive glass product, S53P4, is an industry innovation due to its unique composition, which includes sodium, silicon, calcium, and phosphate. This natural material increases the pH level and osmotic pressure in the surgical environment, making it inhospitable for bacterial growth while simultaneously encouraging bone tissue formation and reshaping during the healing process.
"Our goal is to provide healthcare professionals with solutions for treating bone infections without antibiotics. This is particularly important as antibiotic resistance has intensified, partly due to the war in Ukraine," Hautalahti explains.
The spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, where severely infected wounds from injured soldiers have made their way from the frontlines to hospitals and, through medical evacuation chains, to other countries.
Bonalive’s bioactive glass has been researched for over 30 years, with more than 300 scientific articles published on its effectiveness. It is already used in spinal surgeries, trauma surgeries, and infection-related procedures. The granular form of the glass is suitable for larger surgical interventions, while the paste-like version is particularly beneficial in spinal surgeries.
International Growth and Collaboration
Since its founding in 2009, Bonalive has pursued international expansion, establishing subsidiaries in Germany, Italy, and the United States. The company has grown rapidly, and today its products are sold in approximately 40 countries. In 2024, Bonalive’s revenue increased by 31%.
"We have already helped around 200,000 patients worldwide, which is nearly the population of Tampere. Now, thanks to our new production facilities and processes, we can increase our capacity tenfold," says Hautalahti.
The company is also investing in education and international collaboration. Bonalive regularly organizes symposiums and training sessions for orthopedic surgeons worldwide. According to Hautalahti, tackling antibiotic resistance requires a global network involving both biotech companies and the pharmaceutical industry.
Future Outlook
Bonalive’s future plans include global expansion and raising awareness about the dangers of antibiotic resistance. On June 18, the company will host an international symposium at Turku University Hospital, focusing on antibiotic resistance and the use of bioactive glass. The event will feature speakers from Ukraine, the United States, Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands, with both in-person and remote participation options available.
"Our goal is for antibiotics to be used only when absolutely necessary. Achieving this requires collaboration between healthcare professionals and biotech companies," Hautalahti states.
Bonalive’s mission is clear: to develop innovative solutions that help patients worldwide while combating antibiotic resistance. The company’s bioactive glass presents a new surgical alternative in cases where antibiotics have traditionally been the standard solution.