New Cyclic Olefin Copolymer for Medical Syringes and Containers

Press Release Summary:

• Features include optical performance - 91% clarity along with good UV transparency and low birefringence
• Serves to alleviate a potential shortage of borosilicate glass used to make vaccine vials
• Ideal for diagnostic disposables and for packaging of vaccines and therapeutic agents with many commercial applications at leading healthcare firms

Original Press Release:

Polyplastics Reports Growing Interest in TOPAS® COC for COVID-19 Related Medical Vials and Syringes

Florence, Ky., July 13, 2020 – Polyplastics USA, Farmington Hills, Mich., reports a surge of interest for its TOPAS® cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. TOPAS COC has been a long time material solution for medical syringes and containers, a market which has been dominated by borosilicate glass, as well as disposable diagnostic containers.

Polyplastics is prevented from discussing current applications due to several non-disclosure agreements with its customers. However, Polyplastics’ President - TOPAS Americas Timothy Kneale said that COC is being used in COVID-19 testing applications and developments are ongoing for its use in new vaccines and therapies.

“With a range of new tests and therapies under development, many companies find it important to use the purest, most inert products for their developments,” said Kneale. “We are pleased to be helpful in bringing as rapid an end to the pandemic as possible.” The interest in TOPAS COC comes amidst a backdrop of concern in the pharmaceutical industry of a shortage of glass vials for COVID-19 vaccines.

TOPAS COC could serve to alleviate a potential shortage of borosilicate glass used to make vaccine vials, according to Kneale. While inexpensive borosilicate glass meets today’s industry needs, there are emerging drugs and therapies that are incompatible with glass. In particular, he said that TOPAS COC could fill a vital role as more biotech-derived active ingredients emerge.

Kneale noted that the extremely low leachables and extractables of TOPAS COC, along with its non-polar, low reactivity surface and broad global regulatory compliance make it ideal for diagnostic disposables, and for packaging of vaccines and therapeutic agents, with many commercial applications at leading healthcare firms around the globe. The material provides ultra-high purity and its inert nature prevents interference with reactions and analyses. Other important features include superior optical performance (91% clarity) along with excellent UV transparency and low birefringence. The design freedom available with injection moldable COC enables lightweight wearable drug delivery solutions, portable diagnostic devices, and more.

About Polyplastics

The Polyplastics Group, based in Tokyo, is a global leader in the development and production of engineering thermoplastics. The Group’s product portfolio includes polyacetal (POM), PBT, PPS, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). With more than 50 years of experience, the company is backed by a strong global network of R&D, production, and sales resources. More information is available at https://www.polyplastics-global.com.

TOPAS Advanced Polymers, a business of Polyplastics Co., Ltd., is the world’s leading maker of COC (cyclic olefin copolymer), a glass-clear and extremely pure plastic for healthcare, optics, packaging, and electronics applications. From wearable insulin delivery, to food contact films, to tablet and smartphone components, TOPAS® COC is the high-performance material of choice. The broad global regulatory compliance of TOPAS COC can make your next development a simpler task. Visit https://topas.com for more information.

Press Contact:
Joseph Grande
413-684-2463
joe@jgrandecommunications.com