Solvay Follows Customers to China, Presents to Chinese Surgeons

Solvay Speciality Polymers, a leading manufacturer of high performance polymers and part of Belgium-based chemical group Solvay, has made its Solviva Biomaterials range of high performance plastics for implantable applications available in China.

The biomaterials line, which has been available in the US and Europe for a number of years, is targeted to meet growing demand in the Chinese market, complementing Solvay’s already extensive healthcare offering there, which includes medical polymers for non-implantable uses. Solvay was down to give a presentation on its Solviva Biomaterials offering during the annual meeting of China’s Surgical Implant Committee, held on January 11-14, 2012, 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.” Solviva 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 Solviva Biomaterials line, according to Judy Melville, global business manager for Solviva 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 the following brands: 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; Eviva 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.

Solviva Biomaterials can be sterilised via all conventional methods including gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, and steam. These products are available in resin for injection moulding 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 ISO13485 and under the relevant aspects of current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). 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 US and Europe with Solviva 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 Solviva 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 commercialisation of new and unique material options for medical OEMs and processors.

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