Evonik Launches Non-Animal-Derived Collagen Platform at Commercial Scale for Medical Device Applications

Evonik’s recombinant, non-animal-derived collagen platform is now available at commercial scale. Vecollan is a highly pure and soluble collagen that is produced via fermentation. It features a triple-helix structure to mimic the properties of natural collagen, making it suitable for use in medical, pharmaceutical, cell culture, tissue engineering, and other life science applications.

Vecollan is the latest addition to Evonik’s differentiating system solutions for the medical device industry, and is backed by application, development, and manufacturing services from its medical device application centers in Birmingham, AL in the US, Darmstadt, Germany, and Shanghai, China. The fermentation-based production process was developed together with the Evonik innovation unit Creavis and leverages the biotechnology platform of the company’s life sciences division Nutrition & Care. The division aims to grow its share of system solutions from 20% today to more than 50% by 2030.

“Next-generation materials, like our collagen, inspire the creation of new and safer medical applications that previously might not have been feasible. We are excited to bring this nature-identical biomaterial to market at large scale,” said Maximillian Yeh, Head of the Health Solutions Product Line at Evonik’s Health Care business.

Collagen is a protein found in bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. It forms a scaffold to provide strength and structure. Animal-derived collagen, currently the main source of collagen used in life sciences and pharmaceutical applications, can be associated with batch-to-batch variability, potential transmission of diseases or pathogens, adverse immunogenic or allergic reactions, and non-sustainable sourcing methods. As a nature-identical material, Vecollan can reliably interact with cells and tissues and be readily absorbed or remodelled by the body. This highly pure form of collagen is produced under precisely controlled conditions, ensuring it is safe, sustainable, and scalable.

“Our collagen – Vecollan – is highly tuneable and customizable to different product forms like hydrogels, sponges, or inks to support our customer’s development projects. Whether for regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, aesthetic dermatology, or dental applications, we are committed to finding the most suitable solution for our customers”, said Andreas Karau, Global Head of Biomaterials at Evonik’s Health Care business line.

The medical device solutions portfolio at Evonik’s Health Care business is rooted in science and driven by continuous innovation to empower medical device companies to deliver on their promise of a healthier, fuller life to millions of people. healthcare.evonik.com/en/medical-devices/biodegradable-materials/recombinant-collagen

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €15 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.38 billion in 2021. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable and sustainable solutions for customers. About 33,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.

The focus of the business of the Nutrition & Care division is on health and quality of life. It develops differentiated solutions for active pharmaceutical ingredients, medical devices, nutrition for humans and animals, personal care, cosmetics, and household cleaning. In these resilient end markets, the division generated sales of €3.56 billion in 2021 with about 5,300 employees.

Climate change, population growth and geopolitical uncertainties are presenting humanity with new challenges, some of which are unprecedented. As a creator of visionary innovations, Creavis has been a role model for how to develop and deploy new innovation capabilities and technologies for more than 20 years. As Evonik’s strategic innovation unit and business incubator, the approximately 200 Creavis employees worldwide focus on pioneering sustainable business ideas for a world worth living in. To this end, Creavis is actively driving the development of innovations for new economic ecosystems and value chains.