Integra LifeSciences Introduces the Qwix Compression Screw
PLAINSBORO, N.J., July 13, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq:IART) today announced the release of the 3.0mm and 4.3mm Qwix™ Compression Screw, the latest addition to Integra's extensive extremity fixation product line. The Qwix Screw has received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and CE Mark Certification in the European Union. Integra will feature the product at the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Summer Meeting in San Diego this week.
The Qwix Screw is designed for correction and fixation of osteotomies and fractures of the hand and foot. The screws employ self drilling and self tapping flutes on the shaft and head for quick and reliable insertion. Other product features include variable lags designed specifically for compression in extremity fixation, a cannulated shaft for insertion over a guide wire, a headless design for complete intraosseous fixation and color coded instrumentation. The Qwix Screw is manufactured from titanium alloy.
"Integra Newdeal has a history of innovative compression screw designs. The Qwix Screw joins the established I.CO.S.® and Bold® Screw product lines in our extensive fixation portfolio," said Sean Luland, Senior Product Manager for Reconstructive products. "We are excited to launch this product in both Europe and the United States and to continue to add innovative products for our Reconstructive Surgery sales force."
Extremity fixation is an increasingly large segment of the Orthopaedic market. It is estimated that more than 400,000 extremity fusion and osteotomy procedures will be performed in the United States in 2006. (Source: Hospital and diagnosis data from the Ortho FactBook™ 5th Edition, published April 2005 by Knowledge Enterprises).
The Qwix Screw will be sold by the Integra Reconstructive sales organization. Integra Reconstructive provides devices for the correction and reconstruction of the foot and ankle as well as wound care products and peripheral nerve repair products. Integra Reconstructive's direct selling effort in the United States currently involves more than 50 professionals.
Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation is a diversified medical technology company that develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in a variety of applications. The primary applications for our products are neurosurgery, reconstructive surgery and general surgery. Integra is a leader in applying the principles of biotechnology to medical devices that improve patients' quality of life. Our corporate headquarters are in Plainsboro, New Jersey, and we have manufacturing and research facilities located throughout the world. We have approximately 1,600 employees. Please visit our website at http://www.Integra-LS.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the use of the Qwix Screw System. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from predicted or expected results. Among other things, the willingness of physicians to use the Qwix Screw may affect the prospects for its use in clinical procedures. In addition, the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors identified under the heading "Factors That May Affect Our Future Performance" included in the Business section of Integra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and information contained in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could affect actual results.
CONTACT: Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation
John B. Henneman, III, Executive Vice President,
Chief Administrative Officer
(609) 936-2481
jhenneman@Integra-LS.com
Maria Platsis, Vice President, Corporate Development
(609) 936-2333
mplatsis@Integra-LS.com