AorTech International plc
("AorTech" or the "Company")
New Patent
AorTech International plc (AIM: AOR.L), the holding company of a group of medical device businesses focused on the exploitation of the world's leading long-term implantable biostable polymer (Elast-Eon ™ ), is pleased to announce that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has notified AorTech that its Application Number 15/995,050 will issue as Patent Number 10,676,560 entitled "BIOSTABLE POLYURETHANES" on 9th June 2020.
The invention relates to a biostable polyurethane or polyurea comprising: (a) a soft segment comprising a polysiloxane of the general formula disclosed in the Patent; and (b) greater than 0 and less than 40 wt % of a hard segment which is a reaction product of a diisocyanate and a linear difunctional chain extender, processes for their preparation and their use in the manufacture of biomaterials, implantable medical devices and polymeric heart valves.
Bill Brown, Chairman of AorTech, said : "We are delighted that at the same time as major steps are being made in the development of our ElastEon ™ enabled medical devices, our Intellectual Property portfolio relating to the ElastEon™ family of world class biostable polymers has been expanded further by the grant of this latest US patent. We currently anticipate reaching the significant milestone of commencing animal testing on the ElastEon ™ sealed graft in the coming weeks."
For further information contact:
AorTech International plc
Bill Brown, Chairman Tel: +44 (0) 77 3071 8296
David Richmond, CEO Tel: +44 (0) 78 9999 6400
Shore Capital
Tom Griffiths/David Coaten Tel: +44 (0)20 7408 4080
About AorTech
AorTech has developed biostable, implantable polymers, including Elast-Eon™ and ECSil™, now manufactured on its behalf by Biomerics LLC in Utah, USA. 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. With over 6 million implants and over 10 years of successful clinical use, AorTech polymers are proven in long term life enabling applications.
In addition to continuing to exploit AorTech's Intellectual Property related to the world class biomaterial - Elast-Eon™, AorTech is now incorporating this material into a number of medical devices of our own design. Elast-Eon™ has first class long term blood contacting properties and, as a result, all of the initial products being developed are for the cardio vascular field. Each device is being designed to have improved clinical outcomes over current device technology, eliminating the use of animal sourced material whilst allowing procedures to remain the same, therefore avoiding having to retrain surgeons in new ways of operating.
About RUA Medical Devices
RUA Medical is an experienced full-service medical device contract developer, contract manufacturer and implantable fabric specialist. The company provides subcontract design, development, manufacture, assembly, packing, inventory management, logistics and consultancy services to the Medical Device and Biotech Industries. The company partners with globally based companies to provide technologically innovative products that can deliver lifesaving and life enhancing solutions, and focuses on personalised service, combined with innovative design and development.