AAOS: Solvay to Unveil Two New Lubricated Zeniva PEEK Polymers

Solvay, a global supplier of specialty polymers, will unveil next week at AAOS 2017 (Booth 4817) two new lubricated grades of biocompatible Zeniva polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer for use in implantable medical devices. New Zeniva ZA-500L and ZA-600L PEEK each offer melt indexes specifically tailored for injection molding, enabling broader design latitudes for customers developing next-generation implantable devices.

“Zeniva PEEK continues to drive innovation in long-term implantable devices, including more complex and integrated designs,” said Dane Waund, global marketing manager for Healthcare at Solvay’s Specialty Polymers business unit. “With the introduction of these two lubricated grades of Zeniva PEEK, our customers can better leverage the benefits of injection molding over conventional machining processes, and introduce differentiated and higher-performing new concepts more quickly to the fast-growing implantable device market.”

Solvay’s implantable Zeniva PEEK is well-recognized for the numerous benefits it offers vs. implantable metals. Its modulus of elasticity is similar to that of cortical bone, minimizing reduction in bone density by maintaining normal stress on surrounding bone tissue. It also eliminates the risk of allergic reactions to heavy metals, and its radiolucent properties will not interfere with X-ray and computed tomography scanning procedures.

“The orthopedic industry has challenged its supply partners to deliver biocompatible polymers that enable more innovative implantable device designs,” said Jim Hicks, technical development engineer for Healthcare at Solvay’s Specialty Polymers global business unit. “These new additions to our Zeniva PEEK portfolio offer new possibilities for designing and molding unique, new implants that incorporate smaller, thinner and lighter components, and to deliver them consistently within a validated medical production process compatible with long term implant applications.”

Zeniva PEEK is part of Solvay’s Solviva family of biomaterials, which also includes three other distinct polymer chemistries to offer a broad and growing range of options for implantable devices used in orthopedics, cardiovascular, spine and other applications. In addition to Zeniva PEEK, the portfolio includes Proniva self-reinforced polyphenylene, Veriva polyphenylsulfone and Eviva polysulfone. All Solviva Biomaterials can be sterilized using conventional methods, such as gamma radiation, ethylene oxide and steam. They demonstrate no evidence of cytotoxicity, sensitization, intracutaneous reactivity or acute systemic toxicity, based on biocompatibility testing as defined by ISO 10993:1. These sterilizable products are available in grades for injection molding or extrusion, as well as stock shapes for machined components.

AAOS 2017 is the annual event sponsored by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. It is scheduled to run this year from March 15 to 17 at the San Diego Convention Center. Solvay will be exhibiting at Booth 4817.