Artimplant receives US patent approval

Artimplant receives US patent approval Artimplant has received approval for its so called principal patent from the US Patent Office. The patent, which is valid until 2015, refers to all implant products based on linear block polymers containing urea and urethane groups. Artimplant's patent application concerning polymer-based fiber implants has been approved by the US Patent Office. The patent, Artimplant's so called principal patent, refers to all implant products (including anterior crutiate ligament implants) based on linear block polymers containing urea and urethane groups and is valid until 2015. The principal patent has earlier been approved in Sweden, Singapore and Australia and an approval in Europe is expected within the near future. Anders Cedronius, Chief Executive Officer at Artimplant, comments: "The US probably makes up the largest market potential for Artimplant's ligament implants, and we are very pleased that we have gained a very good protection for the next fifteen years without any limitations compared to the original patent application. This implies that we will be able to keep future competition at a good distance, not only for the products that are currently in late development phase, but also for all future products based our unique fiber material." Artimplant strives to build a solid patent protection around products that are commercially interesting. This includes everything from material synthesis and production processes to clinical applications. The company has previously received five patent approvals in Sweden, whereof three have received international approvals. Currently another seven patents are being prepared for filing at the Swedish Patent Office (PRV). Artimplant is a biomaterial company focused on unmet needs in the field of orthopedic surgery. Artimplant develops, manufactures and markets biodegradable implants with the aim of recreating an active life. The company's in-house developed biomaterials are based on a new patented technology that opens new market opportunities within orthopedic surgery and numerous other specialist areas where medical needs are significant. After more than ten years of development work Artimplant is now entering a market phase. Artimplant has developed and patented a number of biodegradable ligament implants currently undergoing clinical studies. Early observations from a pilot study using Artimplant's anterior crutiate ligament (ACL) implant show subjective as well as objective knee stability. The technique enables relatively early rehabilitation. A ruptured ACL in the knee is one of the most frequent ligament injuries and often leads to lifelong detrimental effects for the injured, and substantial costs to society. The market potential for Artimplant's ongoing development projects amounts to approximately SEK 30 bn. Furthermore, the market potential for Artimplant's carrier technology is estimated at more than SEK 50 bn. As part of Artimplant's market strategy Gothenburg Medical Center (GMC) was acquired with the purpose of establishing Swedish headquarters for Artimplant Academy - a forum for advanced clinical research, application and education within orthopedic surgery. The Artimplant share is listed on the OM Stockholm Exchange O-list. For further information, please contact: Kari Odhnoff, Investor Relations tel.: +46 - 708 - 639 341 ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/11/29/20001129BIT00110/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/11/29/20001129BIT00110/bit0002.pdf