Development and Supply Agreement with RUA Medical

28 June 2018 

AorTech International plc 

("AorTech" or the "Company") 

Development and Supply Agreement with RUA Medical

AorTech (AIM: AOR), the biomaterials and medical device IP company, is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with RUA Medical, the trading name for Culzean Medical Devices Limited, for the development and supply of its soft tissue pericardial patch and large bore vascular graft.

AorTech has identified opportunities within the medical device sector to improve the performance and functionality of certain devices by incorporating the biostable medical grade polymer (Elast-EonTM) into those devices. AorTech has appointed RUA Medical as its development and manufacturing partner to bring the immediate opportunities from this platform technology to market.

Bill Brown, Chairman of AorTech said: "In anticipation of entering into this agreement, the AorTech and RUA Medical teams have gone through a detailed project planning process. This process has confirmed to AorTech that RUA Medical is the ideal partner for this project and that its unique combination of R&D, project management, regulatory and manufacturing expertise should help us deliver the soft tissue pericardial patches and large bore grafts to market in a highly efficient manner."

Caroline Stretton, Chief Executive Officer of RUA Medical said: "The team at RUA Medical is delighted to be partnering with AorTech on the development and supply of their transformational devices. Superior safety and performance, in conjunction with secure supply, will afford spectacular improvements to the quality of life of end users. RUA Medical also recognises the exciting future prospect of exploiting further medical device opportunities within AorTech's novel platform technology."  

For further information contact: 

AorTech International plc Tel: +44 (0)7730 718296  

Bill Brown, Chairman  

Stockdale Securities Limited Tel: +44 (0)20 7601 6100  

Tom Griffiths/David Coaten  

About AorTech: 

AorTech has developed biostable, implantable polymers, including Elast-Eon™ and ECSil™ the world's leading long-term implantable co-polymers, now manufactured on their behalf by Biomerics LLC in Utah, USA. With several million implants and seven years of successful clinical use, AorTech polymers are being developed and used in cardiology and urological applications, including pacing leads, cardiac cannulae, stents and neuro stimulation devices. Devices manufactured from AorTech polymers have numerous US FDA PMA approvals, 510ks, CE Marks, Australian TGA and Japanese Ministry of Health approvals. 

Elast-Eon™ and ECSil™'s biostability is comparable to silicone while exhibiting excellent mechanical, blood contacting and flex-fatigue properties. These polymers can be processed using conventional thermoplastic extrusion and moulding techniques. A range of materials in a variety of application-specific formulations for use in medical devices and components are available.

In addition to the licensing of biostable polymers, AorTech is now developing medical devices utilizing the key properties of its world class polymers.

About RUA Medical

RUA Medical is an Ayrshire-based innovative and experienced implantable fabric specialist and full service contract medical device developer and manufacturer. RUA Medical is dedicated to providing sub-contract consultancy, design, development, and manufacturing of customised solutions globally to the medical device and biotech industries. RUA Medical is an expert in the development and introduction of processes with valid and demonstrable quality control methodologies, holds BS EN ISO 13485:2016 certification and has FDA registered cleanroom facilities. RUA Medical is working with numerous world leaders in the commercial application of implantable fabrics. [www.ruamedical.com]