SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn., July 23, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oxford Performance Materials, Inc. (OPM), a leading advanced materials and additive manufacturing (3D printing) company, today announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for its first-in-kind SpineFab® VBR implant system.

OPM's SpineFab system is the first and only FDA cleared 3D printed load-bearing polymer device for long-term implantation and represents OPM's third successful OsteoFab® regulatory clearance. OPM's first FDA clearance was for its OsteoFab Patient-Specific Cranial Device in February 2013, followed by its OsteoFab Patient-Specific Facial Device in July 2014.

"Receiving FDA clearance for our SpineFab system is a significant accomplishment for our team and a key milestone for OPM," said Scott DeFelice, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Oxford Performance Materials. "This clearance serves as further confirmation of our ability to repeatedly build fully functional 3D-printed parts and mission critical robust structures. The introduction of our SpineFab system represents exciting news for the Company's entry into the attractive spinal market, and this lays the foundation for future generations of load-bearing OsteoFab implants in the orthopedic industry."

OPM's SpineFab device is a vertebral body replacement (VBR) intended for use in the thoracolumbar regions of the spine to replace a collapsed, damaged, or unstable vertebral body due to tumor or trauma. To gain this FDA clearance, OPM's VBR implant system underwent extensive static and dynamic mechanical testing to assure it meets load and fatigue requirements as well as regulatory guidelines for its intended use.

"We have built a strategy with the patient in mind by working together with clinicians to bring innovative device solutions that anticipate improved surgical outcomes," said Severine Zygmont, President of OPM Biomedical. "Today we have achieved our goal to build the first 3D printed polymer implant that has been cleared for a load bearing indication. Our OsteoFab process, which combines 3D printing with a unique material chemistry, is causing the industry to rethink how implants are designed and manufactured. We can now envision devices that will promote bone tissue formation while being imaging friendly and anatomically desirable."

OPM's SpineFab VBR System implants will be 3D printed in 48 sizes by OPM Biomedical, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of medical devices. Using only biocompatible polymer and laser light, the OsteoFab laser sintering additive manufacturing process is an extremely clean implant production method. All SpineFab implants will be manufactured by OPM utilizing the Company's OsteoFab® process, which combines OPM's exclusive 3D printing technology with the Company's proprietary OXPEKK® powder formulation to print orthopedic and neurological implants. The result is a unique and beneficial set of attributes, including radiolucency, bone-like mechanical properties, and bone ongrowth characteristics.

OPM is currently in discussions with a number of distributors regarding sales channels for its SpineFab VBR system as well as partnership options for orthopedic devices in development. OPM's OsteoFab Patient-Specific Cranial and Facial devices are distributed exclusively by Zimmer Biomet.

About Oxford Performance Materials, Inc.

Oxford Performance Materials (OPM) is a recognized leader in 3D printing and high performance additive manufacturing (HPAM™). OPM has developed a range of advanced materials technology focused on the high performance polymer, poly-ether-ketone-ketone (PEKK). OPM is the first company to successfully apply additive manufacturing solutions using PEKK by utilizing the company's proprietary OXPEKK® formulation and delivers enterprise level, functional end-use products to the biomedical, aerospace and industrial markets. A pioneer in personalized medicine, OPM became the only company to receive FDA clearance to manufacture 3D printed patient-specific polymeric implants for its cranial prostheses line in February 2013, and its Biomedical division received a second 510(k) for its patient-specific facial implants in July 2014. The company also provides contract manufacturing and turnkey solutions to orthopedic device partners. OPM's Aerospace & Industrial division has been fulfilling critical development contracts for parts in a range of aircraft applications in commercial, defense, and space with its proprietary HPAM™ technology. For more information, please visit: http://www.oxfordpm.com/

Company Contact: Bernie Plishtin Oxford Performance Materials 860-698-9300, x146 Media Contact: Cory Ziskind ICR 646-277-1232 cory.ziskind@icrinc.com