As healthcare becomes more patient-centric and data and technology grow more sophisticated, medical device developers have an opportunity to lead the health technology sector into the future. The key is making devices that integrate into users’ lives. This enables users to comply with their health and wellness regimen while relevant data is collected, striving towards more meaningful outcomes.
 
Adhesives can help make this possible. 3M’s latest medical adhesive, 3M Spunlace Extended Wear Adhesive Tape on Liner, 4576, was developed for extended wear devices requiring attachment to the skin for up to a 21-day wear time, ushering in the next generation of device design. Longer wear times, like 21 days, may support user compliance and health economic benefits.
 
“People deserve to live active lives without their condition—or a device meant to monitor it—getting in the way,” said Marcello Napol, vice president in 3M’s Medical Solutions Division. “Adhesives are more than a simple material. They have the potential to unlock longer wear times, slimmer device profiles, and more. We’re excited about 3M Medical Tape 4576 and what it can offer device developers and real-time, proactive health monitoring as a whole.”
 
3M Medical Tape 4576 is an acrylate-based adhesive intended for applications that require up to a 21-day wear time. It is flexible, conformable and with its excellent adhesion to the skin, this new product is ideal for devices that require continuous extended wear, both in and out of care facilities.
 
As part of 3M’s breadth of medical adhesives, 3M Medical Tape 4576 builds upon the company’s 55 years of experience sticking to skin and was made possible through a collaborative, global effort.
 
“Collaboration is really what made 3M Medical Tape 4576 a reality,” added Audrey Sherman, division scientist in 3M’s Medical Solutions Division and a leader in 3M Medical Tape 4576 development. “The team was based in the U.S. and Japan, so it was being worked on virtually every hour of the day for a year. It’s this deeply collaborative, thoughtful approach that will power future innovations.”