Alleima is revolutionizing deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s and other motion disorders by providing advanced, high-quality materials crucial for the durability and effectiveness of these life-changing medical devices.
In the battle against Parkinson’s disease, a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that affects millions worldwide, new advancements in neurotechnology are offering hope to patients who might otherwise face debilitating decline. At the forefront of these breakthroughs is Alleima, a Swedish company known for its cutting-edge materials technology, which is playing a crucial role in revolutionizing deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices.
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Sandviken, Alleima has quickly established itself as a leader in advanced materials, with a diverse portfolio that spans industries from energy to medical devices. Under the leadership of Chairman Andreas Nordbrandt and President and CEO Göran Björkman, the company has organized its operations into three divisions: Tube, Kanthal, and Strip, each specializing in products that enhance industrial processes and contribute to global sustainability efforts.
The Medical Field: DBS as a Powerful Tool
Alleima’s impact on the medical field, particularly in neurostimulation, is profound. DBS, a surgical procedure that involves implanting a neurostimulator to send electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain, has become a life-changing treatment option for patients with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and other motion disorders. While traditional treatments for Parkinson’s often focus on medication and physical therapy, DBS has emerged as a powerful tool for managing the disease’s symptoms, especially in advanced cases where other treatments have failed.
The success of DBS largely depends on the quality and durability of the materials used in the devices. This is where Alleima’s expertise shines. The company manufactures ultra-fine, high-grade wires essential for DBS and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) devices. These wires must meet stringent requirements, including high conductivity and durability, while being biocompatible and capable of withstanding the demanding conditions inside the human body.
Alleima’s medical wire solutions include a range of stainless steels, precious metals, and cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloys, along with specialized coatings and surface treatments that ensure the wires perform optimally in neurostimulation devices. Notably, the company’s platinum-iridium alloys are favored for their excellent biocompatibility, radiopacity, moderate strength, and good formability—making them ideal for DBS and SCS applications.
Putting Patients at the Center of Innovation
The company’s commitment to innovation and collaboration with customers allows for the creation of customized solutions tailored to specific medical needs. This collaborative approach ensures that the medical wire components produced are perfectly calibrated for their intended applications, providing patients with reliable and effective treatment options.
For patients like Andrew Johnson, a 35-year-old lawyer from New Zealand who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at a young age, DBS has been nothing short of transformative. After undergoing DBS surgery, Johnson regained control over his body, significantly improving his quality of life. “DBS surgery was life-changing. It gave me control over my body again,” Johnson said, highlighting the profound impact these advanced medical devices can have.
As DBS technology continues to evolve, with devices becoming smaller and more sophisticated, Alleima’s role in supplying the critical materials for these devices is likely to grow. The company’s dedication to improving quality of life through advanced materials technology is not only making industrial processes safer and more efficient but also offering hope to patients battling debilitating neurological conditions.
In a world where Parkinson’s and similar disorders remain a significant challenge, Alleima’s contributions are paving the way for more effective and accessible treatments, potentially altering the course of these diseases for countless individuals around the globe.
