Since the 1960s, Corbion has grown its expertise in polymerization and purification, applying it in the production of patient-friendly biomedical applications. As our knowledge has deepened, so have the benefits we can deliver to patients and healthcare systems.
It began with sutures. Creating resorbable polymers delivered as mono- or multi-filaments enabled surgeons to close wounds with materials that would gradually be absorbed by the body without the need for suture removal. That business has become increasingly sophisticated in terms of both product offerings and processing technique options.
In the 1980s, our ability to fine-tune the building blocks of various PURASORB® polymers led to the creation of controlled release drug delivery systems that enable consistent, appropriate dosage over days, weeks, or even months through a single implant or injection.
Over time, the medical industry has come to recognize and value Corbion’s expertise and we are known as a trusted collaborator committed to delivering the highest quality products.
For many years, Corbion has produced resorbable polymers for the manufacture of biodegradable screws, pins, and plates used by surgeons to immobilize fractured bones. The implants stay in place long enough for bone regeneration and healing, then slowly break down and are absorbed by the body, eliminating the additional surgery to remove the devices.
Corbion products have helped countless patients heal, with fewer invasive procedures and reduced trauma. But their relatively low inherent strength and minimal load-bearing capacity have limited their use to small bone fractures and special cases where patients could tolerate a long period of time without standing.
That is set to change with the imminent launch of FiberLive®, a patented composite material combining fully resorbable glass fibers with resorbable polymers. With a coupling agent, they form the strongest fully resorbable material ever made. It provides load-bearing strength up to six times higher than cortical bone, which is comparable to the strength of metal. As a result, patients will continue to avoid secondary surgeries but will also be back on their feet much sooner.
Faster healing, consistent medication delivery, fewer complications, less trauma – all contribute to a better healthcare experience. But patients aren’t the only ones benefitting from Corbion’s expertise and technology.
The overall healthcare system realizes cost savings by operating less. Prescription drugs are used more efficiently, accurately, and safely. Patient outcomes are improved. And our customers – medical device manufacturers – can deliver greater, cost-saving value and better results to their customers. All these benefits have grown out of a single area of expertise and a shared desire to make a difference.
The power of a caring attitude and a really strong core competency is undeniable, when they are used to invent, discover, and create new value.
Want to know more? Get in touch with our Biomaterials team!