Bayer MaterialScience LLC recently introduced its Baymedix CD drug-releasing coating platform to the North American market. This technology was developed with an eye to the drug-eluting stent market, but collaborations are already underway with manufacturers of a variety of drug-releasing medical devices.

The key feature of the Baymedix CD family of coatings is its ability to be customized to achieve different release rates. This is accomplished by a careful balance of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic elements of the polymer matrix. The platform is widely tunable, allowing the target drug to be completely released in as little as a few hours, or up to several months. The tunability also means a range of active substances can be released, from small-molecule drugs to biopharmaceuticals. Release kinetics are first-order with little or no burst effect.

Importantly, the mechanical properties of the coatings are suitable for many demanding applications. Baymedix CD coatings are both strong and flexible, allowing them to be used, for example, on expandable stents. The smooth, uniform appearance of the coatings, applied by spraying or dipping, is an additional benefit.

Although it can also be coated onto polymeric substrates, the coating has been engineered to give good adhesion to metals like stainless steel and nitinol. The process for coating a device involves a surface-activation step, an additional surface-modification step, and then application of the coating along with the drug. The surface modification allows a covalent bond between the substrate and the coating to be formed, giving excellent adhesion.

Baymedix CD’s suitability for implantation has been demonstrated in part by 28-day and 90-day porcine coronary artery tests, where no adverse reactions were seen. Additional biocompatibility tests support the inertness of these coatings. They can be sterilized by gamma irradiation or ethylene oxide.

Bayer MaterialScience LLC is actively seeking customer collaborations to provide feedback on this technology. This product line is part of a major commitment by the company to provide value-added coatings solutions to medical device manufacturers.

For more information about Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s coatings, adhesives or specialties, call 412-777-3983, e-mail naftainfo@bayerbms.com or visit www.bayermaterialsciencenafta.com.