To address the supply challenges caused by the shortage of silicones and the closure of disinfection facilities, PolyOne announced that it will launch its latest medical-grade Versaflex ™ HC BT218. It is expected to be premiered at the Western Medical Design and Manufacturing (MD & M) exhibition from February 11, 2020 to February 13, 2020 in Anaheim, Southern California.
Jim Mattey, Global Marketing Director of Polywand Specialty Engineering Materials, said he was pleased to add the new Versaflex grade to the company's expanding solutions. He said: "Our solutions enable our customers to continue to innovate and meet market demands." Jim further pointed out that we are committed to using our expertise in materials science to develop alternatives and solutions to address uncertain markets In line with regulatory requirements and functional requirements of life-saving medical equipment.
PolyOne's Versaflex HC BT218 is one of its wide range of special engineering polymers that meets stringent regulatory requirements, and other sterilization methods such as gamma and autoclave can be used in the healthcare field.
The weldability, kink resistance and tensile strength properties of the new grades are comparable to leading medical tubing including polysiloxane and TPE. It has been sold in the United States and has submitted USP VI and ISO 10993-4, 5 certifications to the government.
It is worth mentioning that throughout 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued several warnings about medical tube and potential medical device shortages. The shortage is due to a reduced supply of silicone (a key ingredient in silicone) and the closure of multiple ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization facilities.
These constraints have pushed up prices, extended delivery times, and increased downstream interest in silicone alternative solutions such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) tubes. In response, PolyOne formulated Versaflex ™ HC BT218 TPE for biopharmaceutical tubing.