Himed Celebrates 15 Years of Innovation with I&H Global in South Korea

Himed and I&H Global: A 15-Year Legacy of Innovation in South Korea

Himed LLC, a leader in high-quality bioceramic products, recently celebrated a significant milestone: 15 years of its strategic partnership with I&H Global, a South Korean private company. Together, they have made remarkable advancements in the field of biomaterials, particularly in the dental and orthopedic implant markets.

Since its inception in 1991, Himed has gained global recognition for its premium calcium phosphate bioceramic materials and surfacing solutions. The collaboration with I&H Global commenced in 2010, marking a pivotal moment in Himed's growth strategy in the Asian market. Initially focused on raising awareness about the benefits of bioceramics in medical implants, I&H Global has successfully positioned itself as Himed's exclusive sales representative in South Korea.

The partnership began when Himed co-founder Ed Garofalo traveled to South Korea to explore potential collaborations. He met with I&H Global co-founder Inchang Song, where they discussed the potential for enhancing the country's dental implant sector. This discussion laid the groundwork for integrating Himed's innovative bioresorbable apatitic abrasive and customized hydroxyapatite coatings into South Korea's rapidly expanding dental industry.

Current Himed President Craig Rosenblum reflects on the impact of I&H Global: "Before 2010, our growth was predominantly organic. Partnering with I&H Global transformed our outreach, enabling us to build essential relationships in East Asia. Their proactive approach has been invaluable to our expansion."

The demand for dental and orthopedic implants has surged globally, with South Korea leading the Asia-Pacific region in this market. Anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11.2% by 2030, the South Korean dental implant sector is set for unprecedented expansion. Innovations such as 3D printing are reshaping the landscape, increasing the requirement for advanced materials and development solutions.

In response to these market changes, Himed launched its Bioceramics Center of Excellence™ in 2024. This ambitious initiative focuses on integrating calcium phosphate-based materials in additive manufacturing, positioning the company as a frontrunner in technological advancements. I&H Global is instrumental in connecting local manufacturers interested in 3D printing with Himed's state-of-the-art expertise.

Inchang Song, President of I&H Global, emphasizes the potential for further collaboration: "The landscape of South Korea is ripe for partnerships with Himed. Our reputation for quality and technical proficiency in bioceramic materials sets us apart. It's a privilege to link visionary Korean manufacturers with Himed's dedicated technical teams."

Looking ahead, Song will represent Himed at the upcoming Seoul International Dental Exhibition (SIDEX) from May 30 to June 1, 2025. This event offers a platform to engage current clients and introduce potential partners to the advantages of bioceramic materials and surface treatments in modern dental applications.

Founded in 1991, Himed has continually pioneered the field of biomaterial coating characterization. With a fully integrated research and production facility based in New York, the company specializes in supplying raw calcium phosphate biomaterials suitable for various applications. Their MATRIX® line of surface treatments provides customizable, biocompatible options tailored to meet diverse needs. Notably, Himed is certified by the FDA and holds ISO 13485:2016 certification, underscoring its commitment to quality and safety in healthcare solutions.

As Himed and I&H Global celebrate their substantial achievements together, they also look forward to a future filled with continued innovation and success in the bioceramics sector. Their partnership stands as a testament to the power of collaborative ventures in advancing medical technology and improving patient outcomes.