Karachi: Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has introduced a major medical advancement in Pakistan with the launch of locally manufactured 3D-printed Polyetheretherketone (Peek) implants. These custom-made, high-performance implants are designed to replace bones in critical areas, such as the skull, jaw, and spine, positioning AKUH as the first hospital in Pakistan to design and produce these implants in-house.
About the Peek Implant
Made from Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a highly durable, lightweight, and biocompatible material, the implants are crafted to reduce infection risks, enhance integration with natural bone, and support long-term surgical success. This material, which meets FDA standards, enables Pakistan to offer world-class treatment that meets stringent international safety benchmarks.
Dr. Saleem Sayani, Director of AKU’s Technology Innovation Support Centre, emphasized that AKUH’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, approved by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), is the only one of its kind in the country. This local production capability allows AKUH to provide high-quality, patient-specific medical solutions and improve treatment accessibility in Pakistan.
Dr. Shahzad Shamim, Head of Neurosurgery at AKUH, hailed the 3D-printed Peek implants as transformative, noting their ability to improve surgical precision, promote faster recovery, and increase positive patient outcomes.
Dr. Asim Belgaumi, AKUH’s Chief Medical Officer, praised this innovation not only for advancing Pakistan’s healthcare quality but also for its affordability, bringing previously unavailable treatments within reach of more patients. By reducing dependence on imported materials, AKUH’s local manufacturing also supports sustainable healthcare practices, reducing environmental impacts.
Since the procedure’s introduction, AKUH has successfully treated 14 patients using these 3D-printed Peek implants in surgeries for cranial reconstruction, maxillofacial surgeries, and other non-weight-bearing procedures, witnessing remarkable improvements in patient recovery and quality of life. This development marks a promising new era in Pakistan’s healthcare, expanding access to advanced, life-changing treatments.
