The use of mother-of-pearl as a human bone substitute has moved a step closer with the opening of a state-of-the-art laboratory and manufacturing facility in northern Western Australia.
Marine Biomedical opened the new complex in Broome today with the aim of transforming mother-of-pearl from the shells of the Kimberley silver-lipped pearl oyster for use in the medical field.
The bone substitute, patented as PearlBone, was originally developed by professors at the University of WA and will be used primarily in orthopaedics.
Marine Biomedical has employed five specialist staff at the new facility and will now seek approval from the US Food and Drug Administration and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Patrick Moase, the company’s chief executive, said full-scale batch production would take place during the remainder of 2023.
“We are fully focused on our path to regulatory approval for this remarkable medical product,” he said.
“It has been proven to support new bone growth and has the potential to deliver exceptional long-term benefits across a range of orthopaedic applications.”
New facility ‘world class
WA Minister for Medical Research Stephen Dawson said Marine Biomedical could be an “international leader” in the marine biomedical sector.
“We are delighted to be involved in the launch of a world-class laboratory and manufacturing facility in Broome,” he said.
“It brings a new dimension to the Kimberley economy.
“It’s a great example of academia working with local industry in research and innovation.
“Importantly, it signals to local researchers and innovators that they no longer need to look outside Western Australia to bring promising ideas to fruition.”
