Breathe easy with Makrolon® polycarbonate from Bayer

ANAHEIM, Calif., Feb. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Imagine not being able to climb the stairs without stopping to take a break, or getting winded trying to stand and do the dishes. Unfortunately these are common realities for individuals suffering from respiratory conditions. Ventilators can help reduce the work of breathing by unloading the ancillary respiratory muscles, but they are often bulky and heavy, creating additional limitations for users. The Breathe Non-Invasive Open Ventilation (NIOV) System technology is a better solution. By reducing the overall size of the ventilation system, it supports patient mobility and independence.

Makrolon^® polycarbonate from Bayer MaterialScience LLC lends its outstanding properties and light weight to help Breathe Technologies Inc. achieve the high-performing yet portable device design. The Breathe NIOV System is a one-pound, non-invasive mechanical ventilator that can be used in home and institutional settings. Breathe Technologies explains that the device utilizes novel venturi principle technology in a comfortable facial interface that can be worn while talking and exercising.

The patient interface and air/oxygen path components utilize injection-molded Makrolon^® 2858 polycarbonate. This grade is suitable for ETO and steam sterilization at 121 C and is biocompatible according to many ISO 10993-1 test requirements, making it an ideal choice for medical devices. Makrolon^® 2858 polycarbonate also features easy release and medium viscosity and is available in transparent and opaque colors. The device components made of Makrolon^® polycarbonate are intricate in design and require optimal functionality for patient safety. Choosing the right material was key to the success of the device.

"We wanted to create a durable and comfortable patient interface, and Makrolon^® polycarbonate was the ideal material for our design and intended use," explains Larry Mastrovich, president and CEO, Breathe Technologies. "The material's high quality, biocompatibility and proven performance, along with the support of Bayer's experts, solidified our choice."

"We worked collaboratively with Breathe Technologies to ensure they found the right material for their application," says Richard Aldrich, field market development manager, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. "By providing samples, technical data and medical submission support, as well as answering bio-compatibility questions, we were able to help Breathe make the right material choice."

According to Breathe Technologies, the Breathe NIOV System is the first and only wearable ventilation system that has been cleared by the U.S. FDA for use in patients with respiratory insufficiency, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, and in patients with neuromuscular diseases. The Breathe NIOV System has received five 510(K) clearances from the U.S. FDA for use with compressed oxygen or compressed air for home and institutional use, and includes invasive and noninvasive circuits. Additionally, Breathe Technologies has found through clinical studies and clinician feedback that the device has been clinically impactful.

As the nation's health care needs increase, so do medical technology advancements. Materials must keep up to meet the demanding needs of medical applications. "Bayer works to create materials that are of the highest quality, and that can be used in a multitude of life-changing products," said Bruce Fine, market segment leader – medical, North America, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. "Our involvement with Breathe Technologies to bring this device to market underscores Bayer's commitment to staying at the forefront of technology and changing peoples' lives for the better."

About Bayer MaterialScience LLC:

Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,300 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2013 sales of 11.2 billion euros. Bayer MaterialScience, a Bayer Group company, manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC's business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, social responsibility and respect for the environment.

About Breathe Technologies Inc.:

Breathe Technologies Inc. is a developer and manufacturer of innovative medical technologies for patients with respiratory insufficiency diseases and neuromuscular diseases. The company is the first provider of lightweight and wearable ventilators that reduce the work of breathing and support improved patient mobility. Breathe Technologies has a robust product pipeline that seeks to address additional unmet needs in respiratory care. Investors include Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, DAG Ventures, Morgan Creek, and Synergy Partners International. Breathe Technologies is located in Irvine, Calif.

Contact:
John Skabardonis, Phone: 412-777-5444
Email: [email protected] 

For more information about Bayer MaterialScience LLC polycarbonate materials for medical applications, call 1-800-662-2927, email [email protected] or visit www.plastics.bayer.com.

For more information about Breathe Technologies Inc., call 917-907-4239, email [email protected] or visit http://www.breathetechnologies.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer's public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

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SOURCE Bayer MaterialScience LLC