AKUH gets approval to make PEEK implants

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has granted approval to Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) to manufacture Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) implants using advanced 3D printing technology.

This approval will enable the hospital to produce customised implants for patients who need bone replacements, particularly for the skull, forehead, and facial bones, tailored to their specific anatomical needs.

AKUH is the first institution in Pakistan to receive permission from DRAP to produce PEEK implants locally. PEEK is a cutting-edge, biocompatible material that closely mimics human bone in both structure and function. These implants are designed to restore damaged or missing bone in patients who have suffered injuries from accidents or cancer, providing a significant advancement in medical technology.

Dr Shahzad Shamim, the Head of Neurosurgery at AKUH, said earlier such implants were imported, leading to higher costs and longer waiting times for patients.