releases preview

“We are honored by our selection from among such an outstanding field of submissions. The caliber of nominations exemplifies the innovative thinking that will define the next generation of spinal device design,” said Mr. Callahan. “We are honored as well by the prevalence of PEEK-OPTIMA across multiple award categories, where it was utilized in one of four nominated technologies, including four other award recipients,” he added.

Invibio introduced PEEK-OPTIMA, the first in an extremely versatile family of polymeric biomaterials, in 1999. Today, as Invibio celebrates the ten year anniversary of PEEK-OPTIMA, the polymers are used to manufacture numerous FDA-approved implantable devices for the treatment of an array of spinal conditions, diseases and injuries. To date, over two million devices comprised of PEEK-OPTIMA polymers have been implanted in patients worldwide.

“The properties of PEEK-OPTIMA have been instrumental in changing the nature and ultimately the clinical success of various spinal applications. The fact that the Spine Tech Awards are judged by surgeons makes this recognition especially meaningful. The success of PEEK-OPTIMA would not have been possible without the innovative design engineers, companies and surgeons who have embraced this technology and have optimized the potential of our materials to create more successful patient treatment options,” said Mr. Callahan.

The standard in spinal fusion devices, and used extensively in the development of disc arthroplasty, dynamic stabilization, and interspinous devices, PEEK-OPTIMA polymers provide:
· Exceptional biocompatibility with no adverse events reported in over two million implanted devices;
· Consistent physical and mechanical properties;
· Stringent quality standards and testing backed by full raw material traceability;
· Unique properties in terms of strength, wear, creep and fatigue resistance; and,
· Flexible manufacturing and sterilization options that provide device manufacturers more options for innovation with the biomaterial.

The PEEK-OPTIMA product range includes Unfilled Grades, delivering a range of high performance properties virtually unmatched in a radiolucent implantable biomaterial, and Image Contrast Grades, introduced in 2007 to provide controlled visibility through X-ray, CT and MRI technologies, and tailored opacity for easier post-operative device placement verification by surgeons. In 2007, Invibio launched PEEK-OPTIMA Reinforced Grades, designed to provide significantly increased strength and stiffness as well as a modulus similar to that of cortical bone.

The 2009 Spine Technology Awards were presented in eight categories: Biomaterials, Device Technologies for Cervical Care, Lumbar Care, Motion Preservation of the Spine, Minimally Invasive Care, Diagnostics and Imaging, Pain Management, and Regenerative Technologies. Surgeon judges evaluated entries for originality, clinical relevance, and the likelihood that the technology will improve current standards of care. Presented by Orthopedics This Week and RRY Publications, the Spine Technology Awards are intended to recognize innovative spine surgery products and the engineering teams and inventors who create them.

About Invibio
Invibio® is a global leader providing high performance biomaterials, advanced technical research and consultative solutions to medical device manufacturers across a wide range of markets. The company provides medical device manufacturers with PEEK-OPTIMA® polymer and compounds, MOTIS™ polymer, ENDOLIGN™ composite and PEEK-CLASSIX™ polymer for the development of long- and short-term implantable medical devices.

For more information, please contact Invibio at: 866 468 4246 or +484 342 6004 (U.S.), +44 (0) 1253 898000 (U.K.), +852 2366 4448 (Asia Pacific) or online at www.invibio.com.

For more Invibio information, press only: Susan Skrudland, Invibio Inc, (224) 764 2125, sskrudland@invibio.com