German chemicals company Evonik Industries (Essen; www.evonik.com) has announced the development of a new osteoconductive polyether ether ketone (PEEK) that improves the fusion between bones and implants. It plans to target such applications with its "Vestakeep Fusion" brand products, which are scheduled to be unveiled at the virtual "Eurospine" conference on 6-9 October 2020.

The osteoconductive properties were achieved with the additive biphasic calcium phosphate. It promotes the faster adhesion of bone cells to implants to positively influence fusion at the boundary between the two, which in turn accelerates convalescence, Evonik said.

One grade of the biomaterial, "Vestakeep iC4800", is said to offer mechanical characteristics similar to human bones while avoiding artifacts in imaging processes such as X-ray or MRI. It instead provides a natural shadow for accurate placement and observation of the fusion process, the supplier explained.

Vestakeep Fusion is to be offered as both a granulate and a semifinished stock-shape product, which can be milled, compression-moulded and extruded.