About Us

Over 30 years, Poly-Med, Inc. has provided innovative solutions for medical device OEMs & startups to design, develop, and manufacture next-generation absorbable implantable medical devices.

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Our Mission

At Poly-Med, we are trusted partners dedicated to advancing patient care through the creation of high-performance absorbable biomaterials, precision components, & implantable medical devices.

By integrating cutting-edge material science with clinical insight, we design & manufacture transformative solutions that support healing, improve outcomes, & redefine the future of medical interventions.

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Poly-Med’s Founder

Dr. Shalaby W. Shalaby is considered one of the forefathers of the bioresorbable polymer industry, with over 130 patents granted and author of 250 publications, including 9 books.

In the late 1970’s he led an exploratory group on polymers, for biomedical applications, at a large medical device company. During that time, he was one the lead inventors for several bioresorbable products, including the Vicryl® suture.

In 1990, his love for research and education brought him to Clemson University in South Carolina. He founded Poly-Med, Inc. in 1993 as a means to continue unfettered research and to teach and sponsor students’ education. Dr. Shalaby passed away in 2010, but his vision and mission continue today, through the dedicated work of Poly-Med employees.

Dr. Shalaby earned his undergraduate degrees in Chemistry, Botany, and Pharmacy in his native Egypt, at Ain Shams and Cairo Universities. Dr. Shalaby completed his graduate degrees at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, earning a M.S. in Textiles, a Ph.D. in Chemistry, and a second Ph.D. in Polymer Science.

After a postdoctoral assignment, he became a senior research chemist at Allied Signal, Polymer Research Group. Dr. Shalaby later joined Ethicon/Johnson & Johnson to start an exploratory group on polymers for biomedical applications. Dr. Shalaby’s focus was on new, absorbable, and radiation-sterilizable polymers. He also headed the Polymer Technology Center there.

Our History

A timeline of Poly-Med’s achievements.

July 9, 1993
August 13, 1993
February 7, 2001
August 14, 2003
March 21, 2005
April 23, 2007
June 17, 2010
November 9, 2010
April 13, 2011
May 5, 2011
January 6, 2013
February 1, 2015
July 9, 2018
October 1, 2019
Founding

Dr. Shalaby W. Shalaby founded Poly-Med, Inc. in Pendleton, South Carolina. His vision continues to drive our dedicated approach. Our company remains focused on the advancement of bioresorbable polymers for use in medical device and drug delivery applications.

First Patents

Setting the framework for our distinctive strategy in vertical integration and unique product offerings, the first patent applications are filed. US Patents 5,898,040 and 5,969,020 “Microporous polymeric foams and microtextured surfaces” were granted from these initial applications. These original patents disclose novel materials and processes to generate substrates for the…
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First Medical Device Release

Forming a relationship with a leading partner in the industry, the first product to utilize a Poly-Med, Inc. technology is launched. We worked with our partner to identify materials and process, and continue to support them through contract manufacturing today.

R&D Facility Expansion

Poly-Med Inc.'s corporate offices and R&D operations merge under one roof. This expanded facility allows growth into new operations; including dedicated extrusion and coating facilities along with enhanced analytical capabilities.

Bioengineering Facility Opened

Poly-Med opens a 14,000sf state-of-the-art facility dedicated to expanding manufacturing and quality demands. This new facility allows for more than double the manufacturing capabilities.

Patent Application Milestone

Our 100th patent application is submitted to the USPTO. US Patent 7,632,765 is granted from this application, disclosing inorganic-organic melted extruded fibers and constructs for use in advanced medical devices.

First Specialty Mesh Launched

Highlighting Poly-Med, Inc.’s vertically integrated capabilities, the first hernia mesh utilizing our specialized polymers, extrusion, and knitting technologies is launched.

First Polymer for Drug Release

The first sustained release pharmaceutical, utilizing a proprietary Poly-Med polymer system, is officially launched in Germany. The polymeric base provides a stable, hydro-setting gel system to release the antibiotic doxycycline for 14 days.

Honored

Dr. Shalaby is awarded the Society for Biomaterials, C. William Hall lifetime achievement award. This esteemed award honors significant contributions to biomaterials science and education.

Clemson University Faculty

In continuing support of Clemson University’s increased graduate student research and education, Poly-Med Inc. proudly employs three adjunct faculty professors.

Product Release Milestone

A molded fastener used for soft tissue fixation prepared from our Max-Prene® 955, is cleared for marketing. This marks the 15th product utilizing Poly-Med’s bioabsorbable technologies released into the marketplace.

Manufacturing Expansion

In order to meet the increasing need for specialty engineering and manufacturing support, we are expanding. Our new state-of-the art facility will include additional offices and manufacturing areas for engineering, quality assurance, polymerization, textile conversion, and packaging.

Poly-Med Celebrated 25 Years in the Making

Our company remains focused on the advancement of material solutions for medical device and drug delivery applications.

Poly-Med Opens New 30,000SF Facility

Poly-Med opens a new 30,000sf state-of-the-art facility dedicated to expanding manufacturing and development demands. This new facility allows for more than double the manufacturing capabilities at Poly-Med.

Notable Awards

InnoVision Award

The Dr. Charles Townes Individual Achievement Award
2020

Society For Biomaterials

C. William Hall Award
(posthumously)
2011

Election to the AIMBE
College of Fellows

2007

Society For Biomaterials

Technology Innovation and Development Award
2006

Small Business Administration

Tibbetts Award for outstanding contributions to the SBIR program
1988

Johnson & Johnson

Phillip Hoffman Award for Outstanding Scientist
1979

David Shalaby

President, Poly-Med, Inc.

Legacy & Leadership

In 2010, Dave Shalaby took on the role of president after having served on the board of directors for eight years. Under Dave’s leadership, the company has grown into a vertically integrated design, development, and custom manufacturer of bioresorbable medical device and pharmaceutical products. Before stepping into his role at Poly-Med, Inc., Dave was founder and president of InSource Consulting, providing strategic consulting services to financial service companies to improve process and business efficiencies through the use of process analysis methodologies.

During his tenure, Dave personally led major merger and acquisition integrations for two Fortune 100 insurance companies and has overseen countless key strategic efforts in support of his clients.

He grew InSource Consulting into a multi-million dollar specialty management consulting firm aimed at providing strategic support services to large companies within the healthcare, financial service, and federal government sectors. InSource Consulting was acquired by Virtusa, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRTU) in 2009.

This unique mix of strategic and business acumen has led to significant growth at Poly-Med, Inc. Several key initiatives encouraging the team to achieve elegant solutions are advancing the company to the next level, while staying true to the legacy of Dave’s father, Dr. Shalaby W. Shalaby.

David holds a B.S. in Aeronautical Technology from Purdue University (1992) and an MBA from Loyola University of Chicago (1994).

Commitment to Professional Development

Through continual improvement by personal and professional growth, our employees are excited to make an impact on the medtech industry. We offer a competitive compensation program, and regularly hire for key roles across material science, polymer, extrusion, textile, electrospinning & 3D printing engineering, quality, marketing & sales, operations, manufacturing, and administrative support.

Careers

Testimonials

“SCBIO is proud to have an innovative company like Poly-Med represented on the SCBIO Board of Directors.  The company’s platform technology, innovation and dynamic research result in leading edge products.  Top medical device and pharmaceutical companies benefit from the engineering expertise of the Poly-Med team.  We look forward to Poly-Med’s continued success as a leader in the life sciences industry in South Carolina and beyond.”

Erin FordSCBIO Executive VP & COO
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Our Commitment to Quality

More Info

Looking for more information for designing your next-generation absorbable medical device? View this webinar where Poly-Med’s CTO provides an overview of absorbable polymers, use cases of these materials, & items to consider during your development effort.

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Looking for a trustworthy & competent partner to co-create and manufacture your next-generation absorbable implant? Contact our team to speak to an expert.

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