Biocoat announced today that the company plans to launch an ISO-certified, full-service, on-site facility for the application of its Hydak coatings to customers’ specialty medical devices.
Horsham, Penn.-based Biocoat specializes in supplying lubricious hydrophilic coatings for medical devices used in a range of applications, including the neurovascular, cardiovascular, peripheral and ophthalmic markets. Before the new facility opens, Biocoat said it would work with companies to apply the coating at their facilities or, if necessary, recommend a third-party vendor. The new turnkey offering will save medical device companies time and money, as Biocoat fills the need by hiring specialized personnel trained to handle the coatings process, according to the company.
“The launch of our new coating facility helps extend Biocoat’s vision of becoming a complete, turnkey coating service solution,” said company president & CEO Jim Moran in a news release. “The coating service unit allows us to expertly apply our unique hydrophilic coatings in a controlled environment, which enables us to consistently produce high-quality results in an efficient and repeatable manner while offering unmatched customer service and best-in-market turn-around times.”
Biocoat hired Thomas Brugnoli as senior director of operations in January to lead the new unit’s design and management. Brugnoli has more than 30 years of manufacturing experience from prior operations, manufacturing and engineering services positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb and ConvaTec.
“The coating services unit allows us to fully support our customers by giving them options during their development process,” Brugnoli said. “For customers who are launching a new product, our facility can support commercial production volumes, and for existing clients, our coatings unit acts as a backup or overflow service for their existing coating process. We are proud to be able to accurately and efficiently process our customers’ specialty devices in preparation for use by patients located around the world.”