▶FDA-Approved Tabletop VHP Sterilizer ‘Sterlink’ Gains Local Attention

Deep-tech bio plasma company Plasmapp announced on the 22nd that it is officially entering the U.S. ophthalmic healthcare market through a strategic partnership with QMED, the largest U.S. medical device distributor, and ophthalmic device specialist Advancing Eyecare (AEC). The collaboration was officially unveiled at the 2025 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the largest ophthalmology exhibition in North America, held in Orlando.

At the event, Plasmapp’s U.S. subsidiary, Plasmapp America, and Advancing Eyecare (AEC) showcased the “Sterlink Series,” Plasmapp’s low-temperature plasma sterilizer and the only FDA-approved tabletop VHP sterilizer.

The Sterlink Series drew significant interest among healthcare professionals using delicate and high-cost ophthalmic surgical instruments, as well as ASC (Ambulatory Surgery Center) and clinic operators, for its compact design and cost-effective, safe sterilization capabilities.

Alongside the product exhibition, Plasmapp America and AEC hosted a private launch workshop with major companies providing integrated ophthalmic operating room solutions in the U.S., as well as early adopters driving the expansion of Office-Based Surgery (OBS). Through this event, they shared local use cases and operational efficiency strategies, strengthening partnerships aimed at building an innovative ophthalmic surgical environment in terms of efficiency, patient experience, and cost-effectiveness.

In the existing U.S. ophthalmic clinic market, single-use pre-sterilized instruments have been commonly used. However, rising awareness of environmental and economic sustainability has increased demand for alternative solutions. The Sterlink Series is gaining attention as an option that delivers both cost efficiency and eco-friendliness.

In particular, Sterlink is a hybrid sterilization platform combining Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) and plasma, achieving a sterilization assurance level (SAL) of 10⁻⁶ required for high-risk ophthalmic and microsurgical procedures, while also demonstrating proven protection for precision medical instruments.

With this partnership as a starting point, Plasmapp plans to aggressively expand its presence in the U.S. market centered on Plasmapp America.

The ophthalmic healthcare sector is a key market with high growth potential, driven by an increase in surgical volume and rising demand for high-precision surgical instruments. Plasmapp aims to use this as a strategic starting point for U.S. market expansion and will accelerate its market presence through joint marketing initiatives with local partners, acquisition of clinical data, and early adoption within OBS-focused environments.

A company representative stated, “Our plasma sterilization technology extends the lifespan of surgical instruments by three times compared to autoclaves and increases instrument turnover by more than 30 times, offering an innovative solution that fully meets the economic, efficient, and eco-friendly demands of infection control in the post-COVID era.”

They added, “By entering the U.S. ophthalmology market, we aim to further strengthen our position in the North American medical device market and deliver real value to local healthcare professionals and patients.”

Source: Medical News (bosa.co.kr)