PolyOne Launches Self-Sealing TPEs for Medical Infusion Therapy Systems
PolyOne GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers, a global leader in high-performance thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) solutions, has announced Versaflex HC for infusion therapy stoppers and septums. In comparison to traditional materials, Versaflex HC improves patient safety and reduces manufacturing complexity while streamlining regulatory compliance for faster speed to market.
“PolyOne continues to address major healthcare trends toward improved patient safety and lower costs by providing innovative, versatile and regulatory-compliant materials,” said Charles Page, global marketing director, PolyOne GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers. “Versaflex HC has excellent self-sealing performance and resistance to coring, addressing major drawbacks of traditional materials. We are currently working with key pharmaceutical OEMs in applications that leverage the multiple advantages of this material.”
By replacing traditional stopper and septum materials with insert-moulded Versaflex HC, PolyOne healthcare customers can achieve:
- Excellent self-sealing: Formulated specifically for resealing applications, Versaflex HC avoids coring contamination that is characteristic of traditional vulcanised rubber, which can leave particles of material behind during needle insertion.
- Resistance to coring*: Testing Versaflex HC for resealing and coring performance with needles as large as 16 gauge achieved excellent results including good resealing after multiple penetrations.
- Enhanced purity: Because it does not use sulfur, zinc or other cross-linking agents common in curing vulcanised rubber, Versaflex HC provides superior purity to reduce the risk of leaching and interacting with sensitive pharmaceuticals.
- Reduced manufacturing cost: Versaflex HC processes in a simple, one-step injection moulding operation versus the multiple steps needed for vulcanised rubber. In addition, these materials do not need the washing step required with conventional rubber.
- Streamlined regulatory compliance: This material meets the requirements of the ISO 15759 standard for medical infusion equipment, and can be steam autoclaved using temperatures up to 126°C.
*Note: Coring refers to the shearing off of minute pieces of the stopper material when penetrated by a needle.
At Chinaplas in May 2013, PolyOne unveiled InVisiO colour and design services, a new service which is designed to help its customers develop colour and product development "from concept to reality". Tailored to private labels and brand owners, PolyOne says that InVisiO helps brand managers and designers evaluate colour and design alternatives to accelerate and streamline the entire product development process, strengthen brand equity and build marketplace excitement.
“InVisiO color and design services have been expressly developed to allow brand managers and creative teams to easily tap into leading-edge trends through an all-inclusive range of specialty colour development and design support services,” explained Fernando Sanchez, global marketing director for PolyOne Color and Additives.“With InVisiO, we are able to closely collaborate with our customers to enhance creativity and streamline product development at the earliest stages, when the greatest opportunity for differentiation exists.”
Medical Plastics News is asking readers to take part in a poll about medical grade polymer resins in return for a chance to win an iPad. The poll includes all brands made by the companies mentioned in this article and is part of an annual research initiative to help improve the supply of biocompatible polymers. The survey is being carried out by DJS Research, an independent research organisation registered as adhering to the UK's data protection laws with that country's information commissioner. To take part, please click here.