BMG
Forging the Future of Surgical Solutions through Innovation

Rooted in the innovative spirit of the Research Center for Medical Polymers and Biomaterials, Kyoto University and with a legacy spanning nearly four decades, BMG’s journey has been one of relentless pursuit toward enhancing patient care through medical advancements.

At its heart, BMG aspires to lead in the creation and provision of groundbreaking surgical biodegradable and absorbable polymers to reduce recovery timeframes, minimize risks and make the healing process a seamless journey.

Sho-kyu Gen, CEO, captures the essence of this dedication, stating, “Through our biomaterials, bio-absorbable polymer and adhesive, dissolving within the body, we are negating the risk for infection by unknown viruses of human and animal origin or the need for additional surgeries.”

With a blend of advanced technology and deep-rooted expertise, BMG is structured around three core divisions. The biomaterials division specializes in developing medical polymers that can break down and be absorbed by the body. The medical devices division is all about pushing the boundaries in the development and production of state-of-the-art adhesion solutions. Meanwhile, the life sciences division is dedicated to the innovation of materials crucial for cell preservation.

While similar products exist in the market, the distinct advantage of BMG’s polymers lies in their customizable degradation timing and mechanical properties. By fine-tuning parameters such as crystallinity, molecular weight, composition ratio and hydrophilicity, these polymers are tailored to meet specific clinical requirements. More importantly, they are developed keeping patient recovery in mind, so the products gradually degrade in sync with their body’s natural healing processes.

Innovative Surgical Advancements in Biomaterials

Continuous R&D has led to the introduction of BMG’s BioDegmer, a novel biodegradable and absorbable polymer designed for surgical sutures.

This polymer remains in high demand due to its proven safety profile and extensive track record of in vivo use. Amid rising needs in surgical applications like cosmetic surgery and the development of precise medical devices using advanced 3D printing technology, BioDegmer finds ts usability, adhering to ISO 13485 regulations. By processing it into filament shapes to be used as sutures, bone fixtures and cosmetic procedures like thread lifts, BMG fuels market growth due to the demand for minimally invasive yet effective treatments.

Gone are the days of traditional suturing, when the wound was liable to infection, and removing the stitches took longer. Realizing the complications of this long methodology, BMG has created an innovative solution, saving more lives.

Its medical adhesive, LYDEX, is another versatile solution across applications, including adhesives, hemostats and anti-adhesion materials. This natural polymer’s unique formulation, combining aldehyde dextran and ε-poly-L-lysine as a cross-linking agent, provides strong initial tissue bonding followed by prevention of postoperative adhesions. Available in three forms—a liquid, a powder and a sheet, it can be chosen for sealant, hemostatic agent, endoscopic wound dressing and anti-adhesion barrier, depending on medical treatment purposes and physicians’ convenience. LYDEX alternatively provides patients with the assurance of protection against pathogen infections because of avoiding suspicion of unknown virus contamination in human and/or animal origin substances, such as fibrin glue used worldwide.

Amid the rising popularity of cosmetic procedures, such as thread lift treatments—where medical sutures are strategically placed beneath the skin of eyebrows, midface, chin and neck to internally lift and firm the skin while diminishing fine lines—BMG’s bioabsorbable sutures are a driving force in the expansion of the aesthetic biodegradable absorbable polymer market.

Cutting-Edge Cryopreservation in Regenerative Medicine

In the life sciences segment, developing a safer cryoprotective agent is crucial due to the toxicity associated with chemical solvent, such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), conventional cryopreserving agent. BMG’s solution, derived from ε-poly-L-lysine and succinic anhydride, ensures effective cryoprotection without or reducing the amount of DMSO, maintaining cell and tissue safety.

Cell cryopreservation solutions also prevent ice crystal formation and maintain cell integrity in regenerative medicine research involving induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. They are essential for drug discovery and regenerative medicine, particularly in clinical applications using iPS cells and mesenchymal stem cells.

“In 2022, alongside other technologies, we introduced a new unfrozen, low-temperature preservation method for human iPS cells. Our new preservation technology not only preserves stem cells effectively but simplifies the transportation and transplantation process without needing to thaw before transplantation,” says Yuki Gen, Senior Executive Director.

Despite limited solutions, BMG’s focus on developing stable preservation methods extends to various regenerative medicine products. Leveraging this, it is collaborating on applications for human iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes with Heartseed Inc., a clinical-stage biotech company based in Tokyo.

Standing at the forefront of these medical innovations, BMG is bringing transformative changes to the medical space through its innovative biomaterials. Its trusted products are redefining standards for safety and efficacy in medical devices.