Solvay licenses MediTECH® to fulfill orders for Zeniva® PEEK shape

Solvay’s Zeniva® polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high-performance, biocompatible polymer used primarily for orthopedic, cardiac and neurological implants. Photo: Solvay.

Solvay announces a new licensing agreement with MediTECH®, a division of Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials. The agreement allows MediTECH® to fulfill customer orders for extruded polymer shapes made with Solvay’s Zeniva® polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a high-performance, biocompatible polymer used primarily for orthopedic, cardiac and neurological implants. Effective immediately, MediTECH® will become Solvay’s licensee for global fulfillment of Zeniva® PEEK shapes. Solvay’s intent is to transfer all fulfillment activities to MediTECH®.

Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials has manufactured Solvay’s Zeniva® PEEK shapes since the material’s inception 12 years ago. The new licensing agreement expands MediTECH’s® existing role in the longstanding partnership between the two companies, with the goal of now bringing additional services and benefits to customers. First, MediTECH® will supply customers with Solvay’s current product line of Zeniva® PEEK extruded rods and plates. Secondly, the company plans to offer new, innovative near net Zeniva® PEEK shapes to the market. Finally, by adding Zeniva® PEEK shapes to its existing, complementary portfolio of implantable ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) shapes, MediTECH® aims to simplify the entire supply chain for all customers.

“The addition of Zeniva® PEEK shapes coupled with our unique near net manufacturing technology can provide customers with productivity improvements and a simplified supply chain,” says Eric Tech, global market manager for the Medical industry at Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials.

For more than 30 years, the MediTECH® Division of Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials has supplied leading orthopedic implant manufacturers with premium implantable-grade UHMW-PE under the Chirulen® and Extrulen® brand names. The company’s manufacturing facilities are certified under ISO 13485.

“This licensing agreement underscores our commitment to make it easier for customers to do business with Solvay and our partners,” said Jeff Hrivnak, global business manager for Healthcare at Solvay’s Specialty Polymers global business unit. “By reassigning fulfillment activities to MediTECH® our customers will further benefit from the company’s extensive expertise in regulatory requirements and polymer shape technologies.”

Zeniva® PEEK has a modulus very close to that of cortical bone, plus excellent fatigue resistance and toughness. In addition, it offers numerous advantages over metals, such as a reduction of stress shielding, no heavy metal allergy or ion erosion, and offers radiolucent properties, which allow x-ray and CT scanning procedures without interference.