Oxford Performance Materials and New Haven, Conn.-based Yale University have entered into a joint research program to develop 3D printed biomedical technologies and applications.
Here are seven things to know about the partnership:
1. The joint research program will consist of 10 distinct projects, featuring seven Yale faculty members, and will explore a range of biomedical applications for 3D printing and PEKK — poly-ether-ketone-ketone, a high performance polymer.
2. Projects include the development of new PEKK-based cranial and facial devices that support direct tissue attachment as well as 3D printed PEKK prosthesis for rib replacement.
3. "PEKK is biocompatible, radiolucent, strong and durable. Three-dimensional printing enables the facile fabrication of complex geometries. In combination, these technologies present new and previously unavailable opportunities to develop and deliver customized, patient-specific therapies that are also economically viable," said Professor Mark Saltzman, PhD, Yale University's Goizueta Foundation Professor of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and chair of Biomedical Engineering.
4. Projects under the new program also include 3D printed PEKK devices that deliver therapeutics for improved vertebral fusion and devices that deliver antibiotics to combat implant-associated infections.
5. OPM has been at the forefront of the 3D printed materials market. In early 2013, its OsteoFab Patient Specific Cranial Device received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. With this approval, OPM became the only company to receive FDA clearance to manufacture 3D printed patient-specific polymeric implants.
In August, OPM was honored by the New Economy Magazine for being among the best 3D healthcare innovations.
6. The use of 3D printed implants is taking off in the orthopedic and spine industries. In August, surgeons in China performed the first spinal surgery implanting a 3D printed vertebra. Also, some orthopedic implant companies are ramping up efforts to create 3D printed materials. 4WEB Medical recently launched the Osteotomy Truss System, a comprehensive solution for osteotomy needs.
7. The 3D printing in medical applications market is expected to reach $0.9 billion by 2019, according to a new report from Transparency Market Research. The market was valued at $0.3 billion in 2012, and it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15.4 percent from 2013 to 2019.
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