Neomend Receives U.S. Patent for Controllable Biodegradable Barrier Biomaterial and...

Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--April 25, 2002

Neomend, Inc. announced today that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued another U.S. patent underlying its proprietary platform of bioadhesives and minimally invasive delivery devices, key components of the company's guided soft tissue remodeling platform. The inventions claimed in this patent -- U.S. Patent No. 6,371,975 -- relate to Neomend's wound healing platform technology and cover compositions, systems and methods for creating in situ chemically cross-linked, mechanical barriers using thromboresistant multi-armed polymer structures and protein solutions. This controllable cross-linking and biodegradable technology platform is central to Neomend's medical device business and strengthens the company's proprietary position.

Dan Browne, President and CEO of Neomend stated, "We are pleased this novel patent has been received, as it recognizes the unsurpassed engineering innovation for controlled in situ polymerization and controlled biodegradation of high strength, compliant, bioadhesive compositions which can be programmed depending on the indication and physiologic environment." -- "This vascular sealing patent, in conjunction with additional patent publications in area of endovascular and neuro-interventional tissue repair, orthobiologics, women's health and wound healing will secure the Company's product leadership in developing proprietary and novel bioactive medical devices."

"Neomend's bioadhesive technology provides the first simple, user-friendly bioadhesive to seal, repair and remodel tissues. It has widespread potential applications in interventional cardiology, interventional radiology, minimally invasive surgery and open surgical repair. With its biocompatibility and mechanical properties, there is also a large plastic surgery market for which this technology should have extensive appeal. Neomend is in a strong position to become the market leader as the provider of implantable bioadhesive compositions," said Stephen T. Kee M.D., Assistant Professor of Radiology and Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center.

About Neomend, Inc.

Neomend, Inc. is a medical device company engaged in the commercialization of proprietary bioadhesives, biomaterials and adhesion barriers that guide soft tissue remodeling and enhance the repair and healing of injured soft tissues. The Company's technologies provide a platform of products that combine unique, minimally invasive delivery devices and injectable or sprayable bioadhesive compositions into a single therapy. Neomend's vision is to become the pre-eminent and global provider of minimally invasive delivered soft tissue repair products that dramatically improve and sustain quality of life. Neomend has conducted a broad array of biocompatibility testing and human clinical testing of its first product for vascular sealing, demonstrating safety and clinical utility. Pivotal human clinical studies are currently underway in the United States and overseas.