German specialty chemicals company Evonik has inaugurated a new center for medical device applications in Shanghai to serve the Asian market.

According to the company, the Evonik Shanghai Medical Device Center is its largest center for medical device applications, serving the entire Asian market.

Dedicated to the research, development, and processing of semi-finished components for bioresorbable medical devices, the facility is designed to support manufacturers tackle challenges related to the innovation of high-quality medical devices.

“Our next-generation biomaterials are enabling our customers to innovate new medical technologies that create life beyond limits. The latest addition to our global technical service network can help more customers across Asia in reducing complexity, accelerating time to market, and improving medical device performance,” said Yann d’Herve, head of Evonik Health Care.

The Evonik Shanghai Medical Device Center offers comprehensive one-stop solutions that range from concept development, material selection and customisation, prototyping and processing, analytical services, quality and regulatory documentation, to manufacturing semi-finished products and components in an ISO class 7 cleanroom environment.

Using advanced processing technologies, the center converts Evonik’s wide range of standard and customised biomaterials into various types of semi-finished components.

These components are designed with specific properties, including bioresorbability, low-friction, antithrombotic and antibacterial characteristics.

Medical device manufacturers can then further process them to meet specific requirements for diverse applications in orthopedics, sports medicine, general surgery, cardiovascular care, neurosurgery, urology, aesthetics, ophthalmology, and dental care.

Asia’s medical device market is witnessing strong growth, particularly in China, where demand for advanced healthcare solutions and premium medical components is rising. This growth is further fueled by government initiatives aimed at promoting innovation in the sector.

“The innovation of high-end medical devices plays a key role in the government’s Healthy China 2030 initiative. Manufacturers are increasingly pursuing competitive raw materials and service solutions to differentiate themselves in the world’s second-largest medical device market,” said Fuliang Xia, President of Evonik Greater China.

“Our new center is strategically aligned with these urgent market demands and contributes to the acceleration of industrial upgrading,” he added.

Earlier this month, Evonik entered into a strategic distribution agreement with IMCD, a leading partner for the distribution and formulation of specialty chemicals and ingredients. 

Under this agreement, IMCD will serve as Evonik’s exclusive European distributor for its RESOMER bioresorbable polymers, used in implantable medical device applications. 

­­­­Headquartered in Essen, Germany, Evonik operates in more than 100 countries and reported 2024 sales of 15.2 billion euros and earnings (adjusted EBITDA) of 2.1 billion euros.