ANN ARBOR — Biotectix, the Ann Arbor-based producer of polymers that conduct electricity, says its its Amplicoat conductive polymer coating has been licensed by San Diego, Calif.-based Acutus Medical for use in a heart imaging system.
Amplicoat is a durable, electrically conductive polymer designed for use in a variety of applications. In this application, it will enhance communication at the interface between human tissue and a medical device’s electrode, and enable higher signal fidelity, reduced power requirements, and device electrode miniaturization.
The licensing agreement allows for Amplicoat to be applied to cardiac catheters made by Acutus Medical, whose imaging and mapping system aims to identify the sources that cause or sustain complex and irregular cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation.
Said Jeff Hendricks, PhD, co-founder of Biotectix: “The pioneering design of the Acutus Medical catheter is an excellent match for Amplicoat, as it will allow for the more efficient transfer of charges between the device and cardiac tissue.”
Added Randy Werneth, founder, president and CEO of Acutus: “The Biotectix conductive coating performed well with our system and is part of the internal and external technology platform that is designed to advance our aim of rapidly mapping the atrium while accurately identifying the parts of the heart to which the electrophysiologist can direct therapy.”
Biotectix is expanding production of its coating products with the opening of a new research and development center in Richmond, Calif. The 2,800-square-foot space will have the capability to coat customer devices as well as produce and distribute coating systems.
Biotectix was formed in 2007 in a joint venture of The University of Michigan and Allied Minds (LSE: ALM), a Boston-based company formed in 2006 to commercialize research from United States universities and federal research centers. More at www.alliedminds.com, www.biotectix.com or www.acutusmedical.com.