Recombinant Human Albumin for Use in Unique Sealant Technology

Novozymes Biopharma is pleased to announce that its recombinant human albumin, albucult®, is being used by Neomend in its ProGEL® PLATINUM surgical sealant.
This product will be commercially available in Europe beginning in the second quarter of 2011. Neomend is an innovator in sealant and adhesion prevention products for the surgical marketplace. The company utilises albucult as a key component in ProGEL PLATINUM, the only sealant of its kind developed to treat pleural air leaks following lung resection surgery. Neomend’s ProGEL is a hydrogel polymer consisting of Novozymes’ albucult and a cross-linking component of polyethylene glycol (PEG). When they are combined, a rapid cross-linking reaction creates a hydrogel matrix that results in the formation of a strong, adherent and flexible seal. The technology, which has received a European CE Mark, enables surgeons to more effectively treat lung air leaks during surgery and has already been used in more than 8,000 procedures in the US since April of last year.

David Renzi, Neomend’s President and CEO, commented: “Novozymes’ extensive experience in manufacturing, regulatory and global supply, combined with its commitment to innovation, makes the company the ideal partner for Neomend to work with on its unique sealant technology. We will launch ProGEL PLATINUM in Europe in the second quarter of this year, while also continuing the development of this platform technology into other clinical areas such as spine, general surgery and gynecology.”

“Novozymes is delighted that Neomend has selected albucult for use in its unique sealant technology”, said Dermot Pearson, Marketing Director, Novozymes Biopharma. “The partnership demonstrates Novozymes’ commitment to providing quality materials for use in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and allows the company to position itself as a reliable partner in the wound sealant and medical device markets.” The use of albucult in ProGEL PLATINUM and other medical devices confers a range of unique advantages not possible with animal-derived ingredients such as sustainability of supply, GMP compliance and improved biocompatibility. Albucult also delivers unprecedented performance and quality benefits to medical applications including sealants, device coating and cell therapy applications while ensuring batch-to-batch consistency, which can significantly reduce lot testing burdens for customers.