As the world's most comprehensive and widely distributed health care product manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson not only launched 3D printed implants and surgical guides, but also actively promoted the application of 3D printing technology in the fields of tissue engineering and pharmaceuticals.
In the next 5 years, Johnson & Johnson will further strengthen its investment in research and development of 3D printed implant materials. Recently, Johnson & Johnson's subsidiary DePuy Synthes invested 36 million euros in its innovation center in Ireland to support a five-year project that will promote the development of 3D printed implant material science.
Based on the understanding of 3D Science Valley, the research and development work of DePuy Synthes' Materials and Surface Technology Center, Johnson & Johnson 3D Printing Center of Excellence, and Advanced Materials Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Center will benefit from this investment.
DePuy Synthes' factory in Ireland
This 5-year project focuses on advancing materials science for 3D printing, coatings and surface treatments to obtain higher quality implants and medical devices to meet future needs. The investment also includes the establishment of a 3D printing development and start-up center, and a 3D printing laboratory for Johnson & Johnson.
R & D investment, acquisition, and cooperation to enhance 3D printing competitiveness
According to the market observation of 3D Science Valley, Johnson & Johnson continues to enhance the competitiveness of 3D printing through investment in research and development, acquisitions and foreign cooperation.
In the last two years, Johnson & Johnson has acquired Tissue Regeneration Systems, a professional manufacturer of 3D printed implants, and EIT.
DePuy Synthes 3D printed degradable bone tissue engineering scaffold
Tissue Regeneration Systems is an American medical device company acquired by DePuy Synthes in 2017. Its core product is a 3D printed degradable implant that promotes bone tissue regeneration.
EIT Cellular Titanium® 3D printed spinal implant
EIT is a professional manufacturer of spinal 3D printed implants announced by Johnson & Johnson in September 2018. Post-acquisition Johnson & Johnson subsidiary DePuy Synthes will also strengthen its intervertebral implant product portfolio, including titanium alloys and PEEK implants for minimally invasive spinal surgery. EIT's Cellular Titanium implants are manufactured using a selective laser melting (SLM) 3D printing process. The implant has an open and interconnected porous structure that promotes bone growth. In 2017, EIT's Cellular Titanium implant received 510 (k) clearance from the FDA. Prior to that, the implant had been used in 10,000 cases in more than 15 countries around the world.
DePuy Synthes 3D printed titanium alloy CMF implant example
In terms of external cooperation, DePuy Synthes has partnered with 3D printing software and service provider Materialise to create the TRUMATCH product line, which is an earlier 3D printing product launched by Johnson & Johnson. The TRUMATCH product system includes customized craniofacial (CMF) surgical implants and surgical guides, as well as knee surgical guides. In 2018, both parties launched personalized solutions for shoulder surgery, including surgical planning, surgical design, and personalized 3D printed surgical guides.
Johnson & Johnson also chose two partners, Carbon and Hewlett-Packard, for 3D printing. In 2016, Johnson & Johnson's subsidiary Johnson & Johnson Innovation announced a partnership with Carbon in the manufacture of customized surgical equipment.