ALPHARETTA, Ga., January 10, 2013 – The SolvivaÒ Biomaterials line of high-performance plastics for implantable applications – manufactured by Solvay Specialty Polymers – is now commercially available in China, the company has announced. The biomaterials line, previously available in the U.S. and Europe, is targeted to meet growing demand in the Chinese market, complementing Solvay’s already extensive healthcare offering in China which includes medical polymers for non-implantable uses. Solvay will give a presentation on its SolvivaÒ Biomaterials offering during the annual meeting of China’s Surgical Implant Committee Jan. 11-14 in X’Ian City, China.
“With our broad product portfolio we are firmly positioned as a strategic supplier to the Chinese healthcare industry and this expansion in biomaterials signals our further commitment to national and multinational OEMs,” said Shawn Shorrock, global market manager for healthcare. “We are leveraging our position as a leading supplier of high-performance polymers to support applications from instrumentation to implants.” SolvivaÒ Biomaterials will primarily be targeted at orthopedic and cardiovascular applications.
The expansion into the high-growth Chinese market is a key element of Solvay’s global strategy to grow the SolvivaÒ Biomaterials line, according to Judy Melville, global business manager for SolvivaÒ Biomaterials. “This is an important first step that will unlock key business opportunities and firmly position us for future growth,” said Melville. She noted that the expansion into China is the first of a series of planned expansions into new global regions. Solvay will serve the Chinese market from its Shanghai facility where it operates research and development, sales, and commercial activities.
For implantable medical devices, the Solviva® Biomaterials line includes Zeniva® PEEK, which boasts a modulus very close to that of bone plus excellent biocompatibility, toughness, and fatigue resistance; Proniva® self-reinforced polyphenylene (SRP), one of the world’s stiffest and strongest unreinforced thermoplastic that offers exceptional hardness and biocompatibility; EvivaÒ polysulfone (PSU), which offers practical toughness in a strong, transparent polymer; and Veriva® polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), which provides unsurpassed toughness combined with transparency and excellent biocompatibility.
SolvivaÒ Biomaterials can be sterilized via all conventional methods including gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, and steam. These products are available in resin for injection molding or extrusion, as well as stock shapes for machined components. The entire line of thermoplastic Solviva® Biomaterials is 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.
Solvay’s commercial success in the U.S. and Europe with SolvivaÒ Biomaterials is highlighted by the growing use of Zeniva® PEEK in the spinal fusion market, said Shorrock. “The ongoing acceptance of Zeniva® PEEK has validated our approach to the spinal market and we’re encouraged by the momentum we’ve generated,” she noted.
Solvay’s experience as a key materials supplier in the healthcare field spans more than 20 years. The company has been a leading manufacturer of high-performance plastics, offering its traditional range of materials for medical devices. More recently, Solvay has successfully introduced its line of SolvivaÒ Biomaterials for a range of implantable devices. The company is a full-service supplier, providing design, technical service, and application development support for the global healthcare market. 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.
