Integra NeuroSciences™ Launches 5 by 7-inch DuraGen Plus™ Dural Graft Matrix
PLAINSBORO, N.J., May 4, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq:IART) today announced that Integra NeuroSciences has launched a new 5 by 7-inch size of the DuraGen Plus™ Dural Graft Matrix in the United States. The new 5 by 7-inch size of DuraGen Plus is designed for the repair of very large defects in the dura mater.
DuraGen Plus is the second generation in Integra's line of absorbable, sutureless, onlay collagen matrix grafts for cranial and spinal dural repair. Integra launched the DuraGen® Dural Graft Matrix, its first onlay dural graft, in 1999.
The dura mater is a tough, fibrous membrane that surrounds and protects the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. A procedure called a decompressive craniectomy is often performed in patients who sustain severe head trauma or ischemia. The procedure involves the removal of a large section of cranial bone to relieve pressure within the cranium. A large region of the dura is often also opened to allow the brain to expand without damage. The 5 by 7-inch size of DuraGen Plus provides the necessary material to span these large dural defects with the ease of onlay technique and the proven effectiveness of DuraGen Plus.
"The DuraGen Plus Dural Graft Matrix comprises several technical improvements to our DuraGen product, all of which make the larger 5 by 7-inch size possible. These improvements result in enhanced ease of use, improved uniformity and consistency of pore structure, and increased strength for improved handling," said Simon Archibald, Ph.D., Integra's Vice President of Clinical Affairs. "The larger 5 by 7-inch size of DuraGen Plus was created to meet the needs of neurosurgeons, especially for surgery following severe trauma. It is the continuing goal of Integra to continue to advance our core technologies to meet customer needs."
Integra is the global leader in duraplasty solutions with its DuraGen, DuraGen Plus and EnDura™ products.
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 neuro-trauma and neurosurgery, plastic and 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 1,000 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 future use of the DuraGen, DuraGen Plus and EnDura products. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from predicted or expected results. Among other things, physicians' willingness to use these products may affect the prospects for their 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, 2003 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
or
Maria Platsis
Director of Corporate Development
and Investor Relations
(609) 936-2333
mplatsis@Integra-LS.com