More than biocompatible: HCR’s role in sustained release medical technologies
The healthcare industry continuously demands more effective and patient-friendly treatment solutions, and implantable drug delivery devices are one of the most innovative areas. One key aspect to them is material choice; more specifically, silicone elastomers.
The performance and safety of implants depend heavily on the materials used. Long term implants require materials that are biocompatible (cause no adverse tissue reaction), chemically stable and capable of controlled drug release. Silicones, including silicone elastomers such as high consistency silicone rubbers (HCRs), have emerged as a leading material for long term implantable drug delivery systems, enabling devices that can reliably function in the body for months, or even decades.