First in Russia nanoceramic implants facility started up in Tomsk SEZ

Germany's MOJE Keramik-Implantate GmbH&Ko.KG announced today the start of production of zircon-oxide nanoceramic implants at its facility in Russia. The facility is a joint Russian-German venture – MOJE Keramik-Implantate – located in the Tomsk SEZ.

This is the first in Russia and second in the world production of implants to repair small joints (such as hand, foot and wrist joints) using the material described by many professionals as "the material of the future" which surpasses metal in many aspects and is much more comfortable for the patient. Its properties are confirmed by numerous clinical trials. The target annual capacity of the plant is 8,000 implants (third year of the project). In 2012, the company will have produced 1,000 joint implants.

Production of such implants in Russia will eliminate the need to import them and bring the existing technology to new levels, which will reduce the production costs and make implants affordable for the population.

The facility combines best available German implant manufacturing technology and Russian bioengineering coating technology. It will soon be certified to European standards. The company will sell 20% of its output in the domestic market and 80% in the foreign markets. It will enter the global markets through joint ventures in key regions such as India, the US, China, Brazil, and Japan. This development model allows adapting implant designs to satisfy specific demands of various regions and promoting the products globally in a more efficient manner.

In 2012, the company will open its branches in India and China where the demand for implants is the highest and conduct a number of training sessions for the local doctors. In December 2011, a trial session took place in Delhi and Indian orthopedists showed great interest in ceramic implants manufactured in Tomsk. A facility for the production of implant installation tools recently set up in Delhi is currently being certified to European standards. Training sessions already took place in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Irkutsk, Cheboksary, Khanty-Mansiysk, and Kiev.

Oleg Kostin, CEO of OAO SEZ, says that "the special economic zones serve the purpose of attracting investment and latest technologies and increasing Russia's share in the international markets of high technology products.

MOJE Keramik-Implantate is implementing a unique project in the Tomsk SEZ. It is the first such facility in Russia and one of the few facilities in the world which develop and manufacture nanoceramic implants. It is one of the most promising directions in the development of biotechnology and new materials and it is an area of great social importance. Start-up of a facility like this is another story of success which illustrates the effectiveness of the SEZ as a ground for the implementation of innovation projects," stressed Oleg Kostin.

According to the head of the Tomsk SEZ Aleksey Baryshev, the project started today is the second project over the last three months which is jointly implemented by Russian and foreign investors on the basis of the facilities of the Tomsk SEZ's Engineering Center. The infrastructure that is in place in combination with tax and customs duty exemptions creates comfortable conditions for the implementation of innovation projects.

"Also, companies who are only considering settling in the SEZ look not only at the characteristics of the region and government benefits but also at the successful residents of the SEZ and opportunities for cooperation within the site, and this becomes an important decision factor whether to set up a facility in Tomsk Region."

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• February
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