Radio-Visible PEEK Compound enhances implantable medical devices.
Press Release Summary:
Intended for use in implantable medical devices, Zeniva® ZA-520 radio-visible polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-based material provides image contrasting capabilities via specific additive for optimal visualization with x-ray, CT, and MRI systems. Compound is available in resin and rod stock and provides visibility of implant without artifacts common to metallic-based materials. Benefits include biocompatibility, chemical inertness, and modulus of elasticity close to that of bone.
Original Press Release:
Solvay Launches New Radio Visible Grade of Zeniva® PEEK for Implantable Medical Devices
Thermoplastic Biomaterial Delivers Optimal Visualization With X-Ray, CT, and MRI Imaging Systems
ALPHARETTA, Ga. - Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, LLC, has expanded its range of Zeniva® polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resins for use in implantable medical devices. A new radio visible PEEK-based material, Zeniva® ZA-520, provides image contrasting capabilities for optimal visualization with x-ray, CT, and MRI imaging systems. The company made the announcement at the 2012 SpineWeek conference and exhibition May 28-June 1 in Amsterdam.
Zeniva® PEEK is one of the four high-performance polymers that comprise the company's family of Solviva® Biomaterials available for use in implantable medical devices. New Zeniva® ZA-520 compound, which contains an image contrast additive, offers medical device companies all the performance benefits of Zeniva® PEEK along with enhanced radio visibility.
Zeniva® ZA-520 compound provides visibility of an implant without the artifacts that are common with competitive metallic-based materials. The new compound is available in resin (for injection molding) and rod stock which can be high-precision machined for production of a full range of sizes and configurations.
Zeniva® PEEK offers numerous advantages over metals like titanium and cobalt chrome for applications such as intervertebral devices. The material offers many important benefits including biocompatibility, chemical inertness, and a modulus of elasticity that is close to that of bone. Based on biocompatibility testing to ISO 10993 standards, Zeniva® PEEK demonstrates no evidence of cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, or acute systemic toxicity.
Zeniva® PEEK and the entire line of thermoplastic Solviva® Biomaterials are manufactured in compliance with the relevant aspects of ISO 13485 and under the relevant aspects of current Good Manufacturing Practices. Solvay's biomaterial manufacturing processes are carefully validated and enhanced controls provide product traceability. In addition, all materials are tested in an accredited lab that is ISO 17025 compliant.
In addition to Zeniva® PEEK, Solvay's Solviva Biomaterials line includes Proniva® self-reinforced polyphenylene (SRP), one of the world's stiffest and strongest unreinforced thermoplastics that offers exceptional hardness and biocompatibility; Veriva® polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), which provides unsurpassed toughness combined with transparency and excellent biocompatibility; and Eviva® polysulfone (PSU), which offers practical toughness in a strong, transparent polymer. These sterilizable products are available in injection molding and extrusion grades as well as rods and plates for machined components.
About Solvay Specialty Polymers
Solvay Specialty Polymers is a leading global supplier of high-performance thermoplastics for implantable and non-implantable medical devices. The company has expanded its focus on the healthcare industry to meet the growing needs of its global customers. Last year, Solvay announced a new organizational structure and a 50% increase in staffing for sales, marketing, and technology functions in the U.S. and Europe. Plans for further expansion in Asia-Pacific are also underway. Solvay is building on its 20-year history as a key material supplier in the healthcare field, devoting considerable new resources to help customers be more efficient and cut costs. Metal-to-plastic replacement remains a key focus for manufacturers, but increased cost pressures pose a new challenge as the market continues to grow at a double-digit pace. Solvay also continues to devote considerable research and development activities to polymer technology and commercialization of new and unique material options for medical OEMs and processors.
Solvay Specialty Polymers manufactures more products with more performance than any other polymer company in the world. The company supplies over 1500 products across 33 brands of high-performance polymers - fluoropolymers, fluoroelastomers, fluorinated fluids, semi-aromatic polyamides, sulfone polymers, aromatic ultra polymers, high-barrier polymers and cross-linked high-performance compounds - for use in Aerospace, Alternative Energy, Automotive, Healthcare, Membranes, Oil & Gas, Packaging, Plumbing, Semiconductors, Wire & Cable, and other markets. Learn more at www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com.
Solvay is an international chemical Group committed to sustainable development with a clear focus on innovation and operational excellence. Its recent acquisition of specialty chemicals company Rhodia created a much larger player which is realizing over 90% of its sales in markets where it is among the top 3 global leaders. Solvay offers a broad range of products that contribute to improving quality of life and its customers' performance in markets such as consumer goods, construction, automotive, energy, water and environment, and electronics. The Group is headquartered in Brussels and its companies employ about 29,000 people in 55 countries and generated EUR 12.7 billion in net sales in 2011 (pro forma). Solvay SA (Solvay SA (SOLB.BE) is listed on NYSE Euronext in Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLBt.BR).
