Medical device company Biocomposites is set to launch its Synicem bone cement products in the UK with immediate effect for orthopaedic surgeries.

The Synicem bone cement line has been manufactured for more than 25 years by Synimed, a subsidiary of Biocomposites.

The company initiated the move following the previous introduction of Synicem antibiotic-loaded preformed spacers last year in the UK.

Biocomposites had planned to roll out the Synicem bone cements later, but expedited the process in response to current demands. The products hold Conformité européenne (CE) marking and full regulatory approval for use in the UK.

The product range includes both high viscosity and low viscosity variants, offered with or without the antibiotic gentamicin.

Synicem bone cements are designed for secure and stable fixation between prosthesis and bone in joint replacement surgeries, including those involving irregular surfaces.

The range includes gentamicin-loaded options for revision procedures and patients at high infection risk due to gentamicin-sensitive bacteria or compromised immunity.

Biocomposites CEO Michael Harris: “The NHS is currently facing an acute bone cement supply crisis, which could lead to thousands of orthopaedic operations such as hip and knee replacements being delayed.

“We at Biocomposites – which is one of the few companies in the world capable of manufacturing bone cement at scale – want to do everything we can to help, so patients do not have to wait any longer than absolutely necessary for their vital operations.

“We have therefore decided to bring forward the launch of our Synicem bone cement products in the UK with immediate effect, to make them available as soon as possible. We are also doubling capacity at our manufacturing facility, principally to help meet UK demand. We believe these measures will go a long way to helping meet NHS demand for bone cement and minimising delays to operations.”

In September 2024, Biocomposites commenced UK distribution of its NanoBone product range.