With its “Makrolon” Rx3440 polycarbonate, polymer producer Covestro (Leverkusen / Germany; www.covestro.com) presents a new solution for pharmaceuticals administration. According to the company, the material prevents cracking and damage to intravenous (IV) connector components through its superior durability and resistance to oncological drugs.

The German company’s new medical PC has undergone comprehensive lab-testing, as the administration of medical treatments, such as for cancer patients, does not allow for faulty materials. In addition, the polymer showed good stress retention to provide reliable IV connections. Makrolon Rx3440 delivers structural integrity and toughness to allow for thin-walled designs and resist mishandling. It is also biocompatible according to ISO 10993-1 and USP class IV standards.

Covestro used an in-house designed testing device to develop the new polycarbonate. This apparatus can be used to test the chemical resistance of customers’ luer connectors under real-life loading conditions.