CG Bio said it has won a nod from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to manufacture artificial cheekbones based on 3D printing.

The customized artificial cheekbones use 3D printing techniques on BGS-7, a bioactive glass material developed and patented by CG Bio.

Unlike polymers or metals, BGS-7 directly bonds with bones when transplanted into a human body.

BGS-7 makes stronger bonds with bones than other bioceramics. The material also minimizes side effects or complications after reconstruction surgeries, without any foreign body reaction.

Whereas conventional metal or polymer-based, customized medical devices utilize imported materials and equipment to manufacture local products, CG Bio uses all local materials in every stage of manufacturing, the company said.

“It is Korea’s first-ever 3D printing system using bioceramics that are most bone-friendly. We will keep developing our technologies to apply the product to various bone losses,” said Yoo Hyun-seung, CEO of CG Bio.