Apligraf Use in Diabetic Foot Ulcers Awarded Seal of Approval by American Podiatric Medical Association.

Business Editors and Health/Medical Editors

CANTON, Mass.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 6, 2001

Organogenesis Inc. (AMEX:ORG) today announced that the American Podiatric Medical Association has awarded its Seal of Approval to the Company's lead product, Apligraf(R), for use in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Podiatrists, who focus on foot and ankle health care, are a leading specialty in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. The APMA previously awarded the Seal to Apligraf for use in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Apligraf, a cellular, bi-layered skin substitute, was developed by Organogenesis and is marketed in the US by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

Additionally, the American Diabetes Association now includes information on Apligraf on its website (www.diabetes.org/ada/apligraf.asp). The ADA is the leading US non-profit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. The organization encompasses the many parties affected by diabetes, including physicians, patients and educators. Having discussion of Apligraf on the ADA website is unusual, as the website typically does not feature specific products.

"We are pleased to have both the APMA and the ADA recognize Apligraf and its potential to help patients with diabetic foot ulcers," said Michael Sabolinski, MD, Senior Vice President, Medical and Regulatory Affairs, Organogenesis Inc. "Diabetic foot ulcers are debilitating and costly. Apligraf is an important new treatment option for these wounds."

Foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes, affecting 15-20% of diabetic patients during their lifetime. These wounds result in over 50,000 amputations per year in the US alone. They are also a leading cause of hospitalization among diabetics. At any given time, up to 800,000 people in the US suffer from diabetic ulcers. These wounds are estimated to cost the US healthcare system over $2 billion annually.

Organogenesis (www.organogenesis.com) is the only tissue-engineering company to have developed and gained FDA approval for a mass-produced product containing living human cells. The Company's product development focus includes living tissue replacements, cell-based organ assist devices and other tissue-engineered products. Lead product Apligraf is approved and marketed for the treatment of venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers; Novartis Pharma AG has global Apligraf marketing rights. The Organogenesis research pipeline includes the VITRIX(TM) living dermal replacement product, a coronary vascular graft and a liver assist device.

Apligraf(R) is a registered trademark of Novartis.