Bayer MaterialScience buys PolyBioMed

PolyBioMed, a subsidiary of Lombard Medical Technologies based in Sheffield, provides polymer coatings, surface treatments and biomaterials for the medical device industry.

PolyBioMed will give BMS access to applications such as coronary drug-eluting stents plus catheter systems for interventional cardiology, urology and neurology. The aim is to provide innovative materials to enhance the design, manufacture and end-use performance of a variety of medical devices.

BMS said it wants to further develop its own polyurethane-based hydrophilic coatings for medical devices in combination with PolyBioMed's technologies. This will allow it to offer an extended portfolio of both permanent and biodegradable surface modification techniques.

“This acquisition complements our existing portfolio of coatings technologies for the medical device industry and offers us a significant foothold in this large and growing segment,” said Hans-Wilhelm Engels, BMS senior vice president for coatings, adhesives & specialties.

Engels added that the group, “will be investing further in coatings application and testing facilities which will significantly expand our services to customers.”

The deal gives BMS the rights to more than 75 patents and patent applications developed by PolyBioMed.