New Breast Implant Filler Material

San Francisco-based Patent Discovery Corp. ("PDC") has procured the rights to a new implant prosthesis from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas that could eventually replace saline and silicone as the preferred option for breast augmentation and reconstruction. The new prosthesis contains a patented blend of polyethylene glycol ("PEG") and saline, which has a significantly increased viscosity over saline alone and results in an implant that has the more natural look and feel of silicone with the safety of saline. Noting the FDA's decision to require further evaluation of the safety of silicone implants, Matthew Lipton, PDC's Chief Business Development Officer said, "We feel the time has come to explore other technologies that might better serve the public's needs. Because of the safety and natural look and feel of the PEG-saline blend, we believe that this new prosthesis will become the next generation breast implant."

"We have strong data in support of the PEG technology and plan to further advance the science while seeking the most suitable out-licensing partner to commercialize it," he added. He went on to note that PDC currently is in the process of designing additional clinical studies for the continued development of the PEG implants and is pursuing a survey of both physicians and patients to seek their views on the PEG implant's merits.

The co-inventor of this technology, Dr. Rod Rohrich, said, "The FDA has set forth guidelines for the approval of any new implant, be they silicone or something novel. PDC is designing studies to follow this path to approval. Because PEG is non-toxic, non-immunogenic and non-carcinogenic, the PEG-saline implants can meet the FDA's requirements and help solve the issues that have plagued the breast implant industry for many years. Based on initial animal studies, the PEG filled implants are a scientifically sound substitute for silicone filled implants. The long-term success will require abiding to the FDA guidelines for clinical safety. Further, once they are commercialized, given their advantages over the currently available technologies, the PEG implants may become the dominant breast implant technology on the market."

PDC is a California based company with expertise in identifying, developing and commercializing patented and innovative biopharmaceutical and medical device technologies. PDC works with leading universities, research institutions and companies in the U.S., Europe and Asia to assist them in maximizing the value of their technologies. For more information, please contact Matthew C. Lipton at mlipton@patentdiscovery.com.

Source: Patent Discovery Corp.

« Back