CYMETRA: Injectable Micronized AlloDerm

Okay, Here's What LifeCell says...

LifeCell Commences Broad REPLIFORM™ Launch, Confirms December Introduction Of MICRONIZED ALLODERM™ To Thought Leaders

BRANCHBURG, NJ (February 8, 2000)… LifeCell Corporation (NASDAQ: LIFC) announced it has commenced the broad launch of Repliform™ for the urology and gynecology markets through its partnership with Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX). LifeCell also confirmed the targeted launch of its Micronized AlloDerm™ product to thought leaders in the field of facial plastic and plastic reconstructive surgery was initiated in December 1999.

"Repliform™ achieved a high level of acceptance by opinion leaders participating in Boston Scientific’s targeted launch of the product in August of last year," said Paul G. Thomas, LifeCell’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to Repliform’s expanded use and increased contribution to revenue as Boston Scientific moves to a broader launch of the product."

"The broad release of Repliform™ for distribution by the Microvasive Urology sales force expands the introduction of this exciting new alternative product for the treatment of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor repair," said Ruby Chandy, President of Microvasive Urology division of Boston Scientific.

"LifeCell is following a similar targeted launch strategy to introduce Micronized AlloDerm™ to thought leaders in facial plastic and plastic reconstructive surgery. We plan to initiate a full commercial launch of Micronized AlloDerm™ during the second quarter of 2000," Paul Thomas added.

Micronized AlloDerm™ consists of small particles of LifeCell’s processed acellular human tissue matrix, presented as a dry powder with a shelf life of two years. Upon rehydration, Micronized AlloDerm™ can be delivered by syringe and offers a nonsurgical alternative for soft tissue replacement.

LifeCell Corporation develops and markets biologic solutions for the repair or replacement of damaged or inadequate tissues. The Company’s core preservation technology produces an acellular tissue matrix, which retains the essential biochemical and structural components necessary for normal tissue regeneration. LifeCell currently markets three products based on its tissue matrix technology: AlloDerm^Ž for the plastic reconstructive, burn, and dental markets; Micronized AlloDerm™ for the plastic reconstructive and dermatology markets; and Repliform™ for the urology and gynecology markets, through its partnership with Boston Scientific Corporation. The Company’s product development programs include a small diameter vascular graft as an alternative to autografted blood vessels, orthopedic applications of its acellular dermal matrix and Thrombosol™, a formulation for extended storage of platelets.

Certain of the statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements. While these statements reflect the Company’s current beliefs, they are subject to uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially. These factors include, but are not limited to, the uncertainty of product development, of clinical trials, of regulatory approval, and of patent protection; the demand for the Company’s products and services; economic and competitive conditions and product; and other risks detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1998.

Here's the consensus of the patients I have spoken to...
Well in the patients I spoke to all of them reported that it lasted about as long as bovine-derived collagen injections. Although LifeCell says that if used with a layering method over a course of two years, the results prove quite permanent. Well my take on this theory? At that price, who can afford 2 years of injections?? Cymetra isn't cheap! Besides, two years of this thicker injection may give you scar tissue and perhaps THAT is part of the augmentation. I have heard too many complaints of bumpy, very sore lips weeks afterwards and even fever blister break outs (in those who are prone) and intra-treatment bleeding.

I think that the particulated nature of the implant allows the speedy absorption of the product and though the whole AlloDerm implant itself is sturdy enough to be used as a scaffold by the body. The particulate implant may not stand a chance in mobile soft tissues. I DO however feel that scar tissue which develops over a longer period from any bulky injection/injection material, the treatment site can become unsightly and lumpy. Which would possibly be fine for acne scarring but not for the lips. Of course this is speculation.

However, I do want to say that I believe Cymetra is a great product to use as a buffer in rhinoplasty to soften the look of grafts or congenital irregularities. There are indeed many uses for this product and not all patients will have the exact experience with the product. There may be many, many patients who are truly happy with the product for augmentation or acne scar use, but I haven't met too many yet.

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