Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., a global leader in medical technology, announced that Japan’s Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) has approved the iTaperloc® Complete Hip System and iG7™ Hip System — the world’s first orthopedic implants featuring Iodine Technology, designed to inhibit bacterial adhesion on implant surfaces.

Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) remains one of the most challenging complications of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and is among the leading causes of revision surgeries, occurring in an estimated 1–2% of primary TJA procedures. The consequences can be severe: PJI carries a five-year mortality rate of 11%, comparable to breast cancer and far exceeding that of prostate cancer.

“Iodine Technology represents a breakthrough in orthopedic implant design,” said Professor Hiroyuki Tsuchiya, Director at Yokohama Sakae Kyosai Hospital and Emeritus Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Kanazawa University, who developed the technology. “By integrating a controlled-release iodine layer through advanced anodization and electrophoresis, we created an implant that inhibits bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation in the critical postoperative period.”

The iTaperloc and iG7 Hip Systems combine the trusted clinical heritage of the Taperloc Complete Hip System with the proven performance and efficiency of the G7 Acetabular System, now enhanced with Iodine Technology. Iodine — a biocompatible, essential nutrient widely used in medicine as an antiseptic — offers antibacterial benefits without contributing to antibiotic resistance.

“The earlier-than-expected approval of these systems in Japan expands our infection management portfolio, spanning prevention, detection, and revision solutions,” said Ivan Tornos, Chairman, President & CEO of Zimmer Biomet. “This milestone reflects our commitment to equipping surgeons with innovative tools that reduce infection risks and improve outcomes, while reinforcing Zimmer Biomet’s role as a leader in musculoskeletal health.”