Benefits of LifeCell's AlloDerm Application for Periodontal Usage Featured At the American Academy of Periodontology.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 17, 1998--LifeCell Corporation (Nasdaq:LIFC) today announced that comparative analysis of AlloDerm(R) versus autogenous connective tissue grafts were highlighted at the American Academy of Periodontology 1998 Fall Meeting held recently in Boston. These presentations indicate that AlloDerm is a useful substitute for autogenous connective tissue grafts in root coverage procedures. When autogenous connective tissue grafts are used, patients must incur a second wound, typically in the roof of the mouth, for the harvesting of the needed tissue grafts. The use of AlloDerm as a substitute for autogenous connective tissue grafts eliminates the need for creating a second wound and provides an unlimited source of grafting material.

M.B. Aichelmann-Reidy, D.D.S., R.A. Yukna, D.M.D., and E.T. Mayer, R.D.H. of Louisiana State University School of Dentistry presented the results of their comparison of AlloDerm to autogenous connective tissue grafts in the treatment of gingival recession. Ten patients with similar gingival recession were randomly treated with AlloDerm or autogenous connective tissue grafts. "Post-operative results at three months showed very little differences between the healing properties of AlloDerm versus the autogenous connective tissue grafts. Autogenous connective tissue grafts yielded slightly more keratinized gingiva, but the global assessments of the esthetics suggested a more pleasing clinical result with AlloDerm," explained Dr. Yukna, professor and chairman of the Department of Periodontics. "An additional significant benefit of using AlloDerm for root coverage and other periodontal procedures is that there is no need to create a donor site wound, which is not the case when autogenous connective tissue grafts are used."

Randall J. Harris, D.D.S. of Reno, Nev. made a research forum presentation on an evaluation of 20 patients who received AlloDerm or connective tissue grafts in their treatment for gingival recession. "The results of this study were statistically similar with regards to root coverage and the increase in keratinized tissue. In all cases the areas showed no clinical signs of inflammation and the final esthetics were excellent," said Dr. Harris. "Based on my observations of these 20 patients, AlloDerm was equivalent to the connective tissue graft in obtaining root coverage. This is especially beneficial for patients with multiple recession defects as their treatment normally would require two or more surgeries because of limited palatal autograft."

AlloDerm is a decellularized nonimmunogenic connective tissue graft derived from donated human dermis. Through a patented process, cells that would cause rejection of the donated tissue are removed and the essential matrix characteristics of the tissue are preserved, such that the patient's body will accept AlloDerm as its own tissue. When transplanted to a patient, the AlloDerm dermal matrix is incorporated into the surrounding tissue and is repopulated with the patient's own cells. Moreover, the AlloDerm matrix guides the new cells to remodel and maintain the matrix, establishing a new functional living tissue.

LifeCell Corporation is a bioengineering company engaged in the development and commercialization of tissue regeneration and cell preservation products. LifeCell's first commercial product, AlloDerm(R) acellular dermal graft, is used in reconstructive plastic, dental and burn surgery. In addition to AlloDerm grafts, the company's current tissue graft development programs include the LifeCell(R) heart valve, vascular grafts and nerve connective tissue. LifeCell's product development programs also include ThromboSol(TM), a formulation for extending the shelf life of transfusable platelets. For additional information about the company, visit LifeCell's web site at http://www.lifecell.com.

Certain of the statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements. While these statements reflected 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 products; and other risks detailed in the company's Annual Report on From 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1997.