Russian nuclear giant looks to replace Western medical devices

Russian state-owned nuclear energy corporation Rosatom has announced the establishment of a new manufacturing branch aimed at producing titanium alloy implants for traumatology and orthopedics. The announcement was made by Rosatom’s TVEL division, which incorporates the metallurgical subdivision Rusatom Metalltech, known for its production of titanium, zirconium, and other high-tech metals.

The newly established enterprise, called LLC Rusatom Implantat, will focus on manufacturing import-substituting titanium implants for osteosynthesis and intraosseous osteosynthesis. Intraosseous osteosynthesis involves the surgical management of bone fractures by inserting a fixing device, typically a titanium implant, into the affected area.

The main objective of Rusatom Implantat is to produce a minimum of 140,000 titanium implants annually, covering at least one third of the demand in the Russian market. The range of products will include plates for osteosynthesis of bone fragments, intramedullary pins for treating bone fractures, as well as surgical tools for installation, extraction, and replacement.

Rusatom Metalltech CEO Andrey Andrianov highlighted the significance of this investment project for the development of the medical industry in Russia, stating, “The launch of our own complete production cycle of implantable products – from raw materials to finished goods – is the largest investment project of Rusatom Metalltech. Our plant’s capacity will meet at least 30% of the demand in the Russian healthcare market for high-quality medical implants in traumatology and orthopedics, and in the future, it will completely replace imported medical products in this field.”

The registration procedures required for supplying Rusatom Implantat’s products to Russian medical institutions are currently being finalized. The company plans to introduce its products to the domestic market by the end of 2024.

Vladislav Ovchinsky, the head of Moscow’s Investment and Industrial Policy Department, expressed optimism about the impact of Rusatom Implantat’s products on the healthcare sector. Ovchinsky stated, “We expect [Rusatom Implantat] products to replace Western analogues in reconstructive surgery, which will ease consumer access to Russian high-tech medical care and boost its independence from market conditions.”

The new manufacturing facility will be situated within the Technopolis Moscow special economic zone, further contributing to the development of the region as a hub for cutting-edge technological advancements.

With the launch of Rusatom Implantat, Russia takes a significant step toward achieving self-sufficiency in the production of high-quality medical implants, reducing its reliance on imported products, and enhancing accessibility to advanced medical care for its citizens.