A porous .beta.-tricalcium phosphate material for bone implantation is provided. The multiple pores in the porous TCP body are separate discrete voids and are not interconnected. The pore size diameter is in the range of 20-500 .mu.m, preferably 50-125 .mu.m. The porous .beta.-TCP material provides a carrier matrix for bioactive agents and can form a moldable putty composition upon the addition of a binder. Preferably, the bioactive agent is encapsulated in a biodegradable agent. The invention provides a kit and an implant device comprising the porous .beta.-TCP, and a bioactive agent and a binder. The invention also provides an implantable prosthetic device comprising a prosthetic implant having a surface region, a porous .beta.-TCP material disposed on the surface region and optionally comprising at least a bioactive agent or a binder. Methods of producing the porous .beta.-TCP material and inducing bone formation are also provided.