STOCKHOLM, Sweden, July 5, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Artimplant, the Swedish biomaterials company, has developed two new products for odontological use, Artelon(R) Membrane and Artelon(R) Bone Scaffold. Both products have been granted approval for marketing in Europe through CE-marks.
Artimplant's undertaking in odontology and craniomaxillofacial (CMF) surgery is the first step in a strategic broadening of the company's product portfolio outside of orthopedics in order to further exploit the potential in the Artelon(R) material platform. For the first time, a scaffold made of Artelon(R) -- a highly porous form of Artelon(R) that resembles foam -- is granted regulatory approval.
Artelon(R) Membrane is used to facilitate the creation of bone in a bone void or defect by preventing ingrowth of soft tissue in the defect. The membrane can also be used to cover and keep different kinds of bone void fillers in place in the defect.
Artimplant estimates that approximately 650,000 membranes are used annually in Europe and USA, and that the market growth is around 10 percent. Most membranes on the market are manufactured using collagen from animals or humans. There is a significant demand for a degradable and synthetic material like Artelon(R) as, among other things, the risk for disease transmission is non-existent. Additional benefits of Artelon(R) are its excellent handling properties -- it is non-sticky and resumes its original shape after insertion.
Artelon(R) Bone Scaffold is a soft and highly porous cylinder that easily can be cut to fit the patients bone defect. The product acts as a scaffold for the body's own cells to facilitate the formation of new bone. Most bone substitutes available on the market today are made of hard and brittle biomaterials and often come in blocks or particles. With a new soft, safe, synthetic and degradable bone void filler, new possibilities open up to treat patients with bone defects.
The market for bone substitutes within odontology is estimated to be as big and grow as fast as the market for membranes.
"To expand our scope into odontology and CMF surgery is a very attractive option as several synergies exist between these disciplines and orthopedics. Furthermore, we can cost-effectively exploit work that has been done with spacers, sutures and ligament augmentation. Artimplants development of new products is primarily focused on orthopedics. The steps we are taking today by entering new large markets are planned and guided by customer interest." says Artimplant CEO Tord Lendau.
"We welcome the approvals. However, they were received four months later than expected due to internal problems at our notified body. This means that clinical studies and agreement discussions regarding scaffold (foam) based products has been prolonged. Nevertheless, the goals of the Company remain," continues Tord Lendau.
The Artelon(R) biomaterial is a patented degradable polyurethanurea that provides a temporary support to healing tissue in the human body. The excellent biocompatibility of the material in both soft and hard tissue has been demonstrated at several occasions.
For additional information, please contact: Tord Lendau, CEO phone +46 (0)31 746 56 00, +46 (0)708 369 403 tord.lendau@artimplant.se Web site: www.artimplant.com
Artimplant's mission is to develop novel biodegradable materials and implants that meet the needs of patients, physicians and healthcare providers in orthopedics and other therapy areas. The company works together with global partners as a center of excellence in this development.
Artimplant's vision is to become the partner of choice in biomaterials for hard and soft tissue repair in multiple therapy areas.
Artimplant is a public company, listed on the Stockholm Exchange, O-list.
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