Mentor Corp. Licenses New Tutogen Product
CLIFTON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 15, 2001--Tutogen Medical Inc. (AMEX: TTG - news), in response to increasing demands for superior biological implants, Tutogen has developed a Tutoplast Processed Dermis(TM)product to be exclusively distributed by the Mentor Corporation, (NYSE: MNTR - news). The license terms call for minimum purchases beginning in the first year of over $1 million. Mentor has contributed $115,000 towards the development of this new product. .
Tutoplast Processed Dermis(TM) will have application in Mentor's Suspend(TM) procedure that is used to treat female incontinence. Female incontinence is an extremely unpleasant medical condition suffered by a large and growing population. In the procedure the surgeon repositions and levels the bladder by creating a sling that cradles the bladder providing physical support when the muscles that formerly held it in place fail. This procedure was developed and pioneered by Mentor. Tutogen contributed their tissue engineering and preservation expertise to complete the medical device. The procedure has won rapid and wide acceptance as a safe and effective treatment for this unpleasant condition. The number of women electing to have this procedure each year continues to climb. In the first half of Tutogen's FY2001 the Company shipped 2200 units. In the second half of FY2001 the Company shipped 3500 units and in the first quarter of FY 2002 over 3000 units were shipped, a growth rate well in excess of 100%.
Tutogen Medical, Inc. utilizes its proprietary Tutoplast®process of tissue preservation and viral inactivation, to manufacture bioimplants for neurosurgical, orthopedic, reconstructive and general surgical indications. The Company's Tutoplast®products are sold and distributed worldwide by the Mentor Corporation (NMS: MNTR), Sulzer Medica (NYSE: SM - news), IOP, Inc. and through subsidiaries in the U.S. and Germany. www.tutogen.com |
