Tokyo, Japan, December 22, 2014 --- Osaka Medical College, Fukui Warp Knitting Co., Ltd. and Teijin Limited announced today that their joint project to develop a long-lasting regenerative patch for cardiac-repair applications has been selected for support under a Japanese government program aimed at promoting collaboration between the medical and industrial fields. The program was launched by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) this year.
The target new cardiac patch is expected to combine bio-absorbable and non-bio-absorbable polymers. It will incorporate Teijin’s expertise in polymers and technologies and Fukui Warp Knitting’s world-class technologies for warp knitting, or zigzag knitting along the length of the fabric. The aim is to develop an innovative patch featuring a strong, expansive structure suited to cardiovascular surgeries as determined by Osaka Medical College.
METI’s new program succeeds the Program to Develop Medical Equipment and Devices to Solve Unmet Medical Needs, which was launched in 2010. The ongoing goal is to support advances in the medical device industry by incorporating Japan’s world-class manufacturing technologies to develop innovative new medical device.
Osaka Medical College, Fukui Warp Knitting and Teijin contribute medical technologies advancement by basic materials development in pediatric cardiac operation treatment to develop and provide universal medical materials through the integration of research outcomes and Japanese manufacturing technologies.
Cardiac patches are widely used to repair heart tissue during cardiovascular operations. Biomaterials derived from bovine and equine tissue and non-absorbable polymer polytetrafluoroethylene are used in existing patches. The use of biological materials presents safety and handling problems, such as sterilization and preservation, as well as quality deterioration after long use. Current non-absorbable polymers do not achieve the expansion property required for long-term use with beating, growing hearts, resulting in the need for repeated surgeries to replace the patches.
About the Teijin Group
Teijin (TSE: 3401) is a technology-driven global group offering advanced solutions in the areas of sustainable transportation, information and electronics, safety and protection, environment and energy, and healthcare. Its main fields of operation are high-performance fibers such as aramid, carbon fibers & composites, healthcare, films, resin & plastic processing, polyester fibers, products converting and IT. The group has some 150 companies and around 16,000 employees spread out over 20 countries worldwide. It posted consolidated sales of JPY784.4 billion (USD 7.7 billion) and total assets of JPY 768.4 billion (USD 7.5 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014. Please visit www.teijin.com.
Press Contact
Corporate Communications
Teijin Limited
+81 3 3506 4055
pr@teijin.co.jp
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