AorTech Issued Patent for Bio

21 Aug 2008 07:00

AorTech Issued Patent for Biostable Polyurethanes

AorTech International plc (AIM: AOR) the biomaterials and medical device development company, today announces the issue of the Australian Patent for its biostable polyurethane Elast-Eon™ 5 (E5). The addition of this patent expands AorTech's biostable material portfolio to include softer ranges.  This new material retains the superior biostability and mechanical properties for which Elast-Eon is known. 

The patent is entering the national phase in other countries including the U.S and the European Union.  A patent grant in these regions is expected in 2009. 

According to the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research article published in January 2008, silicone based Elast-Eons are significantly superior to all other medical polyurethanes with respect to long term biostability. 

"E5 is another step in the direction of expanding the range of Elast-Eon material properties by offering increased softness and flexibility. E5's softer properties and superior flexibility increases the market opportunities for Elast-Eon into medical device groups that have historically been manufactured from silicone materials," said Ajay Padsalgikar, AorTech Chief Scientific Officer.  "Designers of these devices can now utilize a softer material with superior mechanical properties."

AorTech develops and manufactures biostable, implantable polymers, including Elast-Eon, the world's leading long-term implantable copolymer. With clinical experience in excess of two years and hundreds of thousands of successful long-term human implants, Elast-Eon is currently used in cardiology, orthopaedic, urological and gastroenterological applications, including pacing leads, cardiac cannulae and stents. Devices manufactured from Elast-Eon have multiple US FDA PMA approvals, CE Marks and Japanese Ministry of Health approval.

Elast-Eon's biostability is comparable to silicone while exhibiting excellent mechanical, blood contacting and flex-fatigue properties. It can be processed using conventional thermoplastic extrusion and molding techniques. The firm's 20,000 sq/ft. ISO-certified facility provides a range of materials in a variety of application-specific formulations for use in medical devices and components.

-Ends-

For further information please contact:

AorTech International plc

Frank Maguire, Chief Executive

Tel: + 1 801 201 4336

Evolution SecuritiesBobbie Hilliam

Tel: +44 20 7071 4300

Chris Clarke

Tel: +44 20 7071 4300

AorTech International plc

Sarah Price, Investor Relations

Tel: + 1 801 550 4349

e-mail sprice@aortech.com