2025 Product of the Year

Biointeractions, Shinfield, UK, has launched a surface-active therapeutic coating for medical devices. AstutePlus® is an advanced antithrombogenic designed specifi cally to stop fi brin sheath formation as well as thrombus formation in blood-contacting devices. The coating combines both active and passive components. The active agents block the blood cascade mechanism, thereby deactivating platelets, which reduces thrombus formation and prevents fi brin sheath formation. The passive elements hinder deposition and adhesion of blood components and proteins on the device surface. This combination results in an implant that is actively shielded and protected for the lifetime of the patient, therefore providing clinicians more time to focus on caring for their patients.

LEMO, Rohnert Park, CA, has expanded its current range of high-voltage connectors that offer 5 kV on 26 or 34 contacts within a compact Ø 18 mm design. The REDEL 2P connectors combine safety, performance, and reliability, making them ideal for medical devices. The connectors incorporate the company’s push-pull latching system, ensuring secure and effortless connections. Engineered to endure sterilization and frequent use, they withstand over 5000 mating cycles and provide precise signal integrity and consistent high voltage performance, ideal for integration in the latest generations of electrophysiology catheters, including cardiac mapping and pulsed field ablation (PFA). Additionally, they are ideal for any applications requiring compact, high-performance interconnect solutions.

Excelitas Technologies, Pittsburgh, PA, has introduced a platform for high-precision medical illumination and diagnostic applications such as endoscopy and surgical visualization. The X-Cite Vitae vIRX illumination platform features a fully customizable, multi-wavelength RGB illumination system with near-infrared (NIR) excitation and advanced closed-loop feedback control. It provides accurate correlated color temperature (CCT) and maintenance of color and intensity over lifetime, support for up to seven individually controllable channels, with fast switching and response times, increased optical power output capable of replacing traditional 180 or 300 W xenon sources, and other benefits.

Plastic Ingenuity, Cross Plains, WI, has introduced validated thermoformed ready-to-use pharma tubs. The tubs are comparable to traditional injection molded tubs; however, they offer rapid development, a lower cost of entry, and material reductions. They are commonly made from high impact polystyrene (HIPS) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). A proprietary clean trim technology mitigates particulate. Designed to meet ISO 11040, the RTU containers accommodate syringes, vials, and cartridges.

SGS, Geneva, Switzerland, has received EPA approval as a recognized third-party certifi cation body for testing and certification of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines under the ENERGY STAR® label. The certification allows brands and manufacturers to demonstrate that a device uses less energy in ready to scan mode as well as via an automated power down to an energy saving low power state. Once certified, the blue ENERGY STAR® label makes it easy for consumers and businesses to identify and purchase energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills without sacrificing performance.

MethodSense, Morrisville, NC, has launched an Elsa & AI Resource Center at MethodSense.com. This resource hub provides critical guidance, tools, and expert insights to help companies prepare for FDA’s growing use of its new generative AI tool, Elsa. The resource center includes expert briefings and blogs on how Elsa is impacting regulatory strategy; a podcast episode featuring the company’s CEO Rita King breaking down real-world implications; access to a free exploratory meeting with the company’s regulatory team; and guidance on leveraging Lumin-Logic®, the company’s compliance accelerator platform, to automate and streamline submission.

Coiled guidewires for medical catheters can be created with systems from Amada Weld Tech, Monrovia, CA. Amada Press System’s WH-2A, a 13-axis CNC dual-point coiling machine, is designed for ultra-fi ne wire coil processing for medical guidewire formation. Ultra-fi ne wire coils can be processed at high-speed with precision and reduced setup time. This precision coiling process can be combined with the company’s advanced options for welding coils, including arc welding and laser welding. Arc welding is often used for doming the ends of coiled wires, while laser welding can be used for doming as well as seam welding along the coils. Laser processing solutions, such as the WL-300A laser processing workstation for welding coiled guidewires, are designed to enhance productivity for small and medium production volume medical device manufacturing processes.

Evonik, Essen, Germany, has released a clinical-grade version of its recombinant collagen-like protein platform for medical device development. Produced via sustainable fermentation, VECOLLAN® offers high purity, batch-to-batch consistency and eliminates risks associated with animal-derived collagen. The new grade supports clinical studies beginning in 2026 and is suitable for applications in orthopedics, medical aesthetics, and sports medicine. Available in forms including sponges and hydrogels, the biomaterial offers tunable mechanical properties and compatibility with standard processing methods for tissue repair and regenerative devices.