Lubrizol, Cleveland Clinic collaborate on development of breakthrough medical devices

The joint collaboration will connect Lubrizol's chemists and engineers who create the materials with clinicians at the medical center who identify unmet clinical needs and seek solutions. Lubrizol will have increased opportunities to interact with medical professionals to understand how their products impact the lives of patients, while Cleveland Clinic will have access to polymer scientists, material testing and new component designs.

"As we continually look for new ways to innovate for our OEM customers, collaborations with a leading clinical provider, such as Cleveland Clinic, will help us take the next step in delivering solutions that better address the needs of the healthcare industry," Deb Langer, Vice President and General Manager, Lubrizol LifeSciences, said in a news release. "This provides us with a fresh hands-on perspective that will help us focus on the medical problems that really matter to patients and providers."

Lubrizol LifeSciences will provide Cleveland Clinic an in-depth understanding of functional polymer solutions, including components, novel device systems and drug-delivery combination products for the healthcare industry.

Lubrizol recently acquired Vesta, a contract manufacturer for the global medical device industry with expertise in precision thermoplastic extrusion and silicone fabrication.

In addition to providing access to physicians and researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, which consistently ranks as one of the top hospitals in the United States, Cleveland Clinic Innovations and its partners in the Global Healthcare Innovations Alliance will provide Lubrizol with expertise in evaluating, validating and commercializing medical technologies.

"Cleveland Clinic Innovations is committed to the identification, development and commercialization of healthcare technologies with forward-thinking collaborations that can extend and improve human life," commented Gary Fingerhut, Executive Director, Cleveland Clinic Innovations. "This is a mutually beneficial relationship that will enable both organizations to connect on complementary initiatives that will ultimately benefit patients globally."