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Highlights:
- Ilika PLC has successfully launched Stereax micro-battery manufacturing at Cirtec Medical’s Massachusetts facility.
- Production of Stereax batteries for process qualification has commenced following successful User Acceptance Tests.
- The collaboration between Ilika and Cirtec supports the advancement of miniature medical device technologies.
Ilika PLC (OTC:ILIKF), a developer of innovative battery technologies, has announced a significant milestone in the production of its Stereax micro-batteries. The manufacturing equipment for Stereax has been successfully commissioned at Cirtec Medical's facility in Massachusetts, USA. This development marks a key step towards the commercialization of a small solid-state battery platform that could play a transformative role in the future of miniature implantable medical devices.
Progress in Battery Technology
The commissioning of the Stereax manufacturing equipment at Cirtec Medical’s facility follows successful User Acceptance Tests (UATs), allowing the commencement of the production of Stereax batteries for process qualification. The solid-state battery technology is designed for use in miniature devices that can be implanted in the human body, aiming to address the growing demand for reliable, long-lasting power sources for medical applications.
Collaboration with Cirtec Medical
This advancement is the result of a strategic partnership between Ilika and Cirtec Medical. In August 2023, the companies entered into a ten-year manufacturing license agreement, which allows Cirtec Medical to produce Stereax batteries. While Cirtec focuses on the manufacturing aspects, Ilika retains responsibility for the continued development of the technology and the management of intellectual property (IP) licensing. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the deployment of these micro-batteries in active medical devices.
Development and Process Refinement
Since June, Ilika has been supplying Cirtec with cathode-coated wafers to refine and verify the subsequent process steps in battery production. These wafers are integral to the production of Stereax micro-batteries and will play a crucial role in ensuring the batteries meet the stringent requirements for use in medical devices. The partnership leverages the strengths of both companies in advancing the production of these cutting-edge batteries.
Focus on Implantable Medical Devices
The Stereax battery technology is designed to address the power requirements of miniature active medical devices, which often face challenges in terms of size, power density, and safety. Solid-state batteries, like those being developed by Ilika and Cirtec, offer advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, including higher energy density and enhanced safety features, making them well-suited for medical applications.
This partnership and technological progress are steps toward the broader adoption of advanced battery technologies in healthcare. By enabling longer-lasting power sources for implantable devices, these advancements could significantly improve the functionality and reliability of medical devices in a variety of clinical settings.
