Integra LifeSciences Announces CE Mark for the NeuraGenT Nerve Guide for Repair of Severed Peripheral Nerves
Peripheral nerves may become severed through traumatic accidents or surgical injuries, often resulting in the permanent loss of motor and sensory function. The NeuraGenT Nerve Guide is an absorbable collagen tube designed to provide a protective environment for the regenerating nerve and to provide a conduit through which regenerating axons can bridge the injury. The NeuraGen Nerve Guide was cleared for sale in the United States in 2001, and Integra NeuroSciences launched the product in the fourth quarter of that year.
"Although the axons of severed peripheral nerves regenerate spontaneously, they will not establish functional connections unless the nerve stumps are surgically reconnected," said Simon Archibald, Ph.D., Integra NeuroSciences' Vice President of Research and Development. "The NeuraGenT Nerve Guide offers a rapid method for rejoining severed peripheral nerves, in contrast to conventional microsurgical techniques. The technology behind the NeuraGenT Nerve Guide is based on a semi-permeable collagen tube that isolates and defines an environment for the extension of axons and growth of Schwann cells that are the elements responsible for functional recovery following nerve injury."
The Company estimates that more than 1000 NeuraGen Nerve Guides have been implanted in patients in the United States since its commercial launch. The Company estimates that the annual worldwide market potential for the repair of peripheral nerve injuries approximates $40 million.
The NeuraGenT Nerve Guide is the fifth of a series of absorbable medical devices developed by Integra LifeSciences. The Company's other absorbable medical devices include the following:
- DuraGen® Dural Graft Matrix for the sutureless repair of the dura mater, also sold by Integra NeuroSciences;
- INTEGRA® Dermal Regeneration Template for regeneration of the dermis, marketed for Integra by the Ethicon division of Johnson & Johnson; and
- BioMend® and BioMend® Extend Absorbable Collagen Membrane for guided tissue repair of the gingiva, marketed for Integra by the dental division of Centerpulse, Inc.
Integra NeuroSciences designs, manufactures and sells implants, devices and monitors used in neurosurgery, neurotrauma, and related critical care. Together with its ten-person clinical development team, Integra NeuroSciences' direct selling effort exceeds 90 field personnel in the United States and Europe. Integra NeuroSciences also sells its products in approximately 80 countries worldwide through a network of international distributors.
Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation, headquartered in Plainsboro, New Jersey, has approximately 790 permanent employees. Please visit the Company's 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 relating to the European market launch of the NeuraGenT products, the potential market size for these products and their use in approved therapeutic applications, and product development programs and regulatory approval. 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 Company's ability to manufacture the NeuraGenT products may affect product launch activities, the willingness of physicians to adopt new products may affect their use in approved therapeutic applications and the potential market size, and the willingness of strategic partners to continue development programs may affect product development and regulatory approval activities. In addition, the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors identified under the heading "Risk Factors" included in the Business section of Integra's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 and information contained in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could affect actual results. Integra disclaims any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.
SOURCE: Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation
Contact:
Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation
John B. Henneman, III
Senior Vice President
Chief Administrative Officer
609-936-2481
jhenneman@integra-Ls.com
John Bostjancic
Senior Director of Finance
609-936-2239
jbostjancic@integra-Ls.com