Cambridge Scientific, Inc.'s Bioabsorbable WISORB Spinal Fusion System Shows Strong Performance in Interbody Fusion Study.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 4, 2002

Today Cambridge Scientific, Inc. (CSI) announces results for its lead spinal research product: the WISORB(TM) Spinal Fusion System. An article recently published in the journal Spine, "Biomechanical Analysis of Biodegradable Interbody Fusion Cages Augmented with Poly(Propylene Glycol-co-Fumaric Acid)," demonstrated that the WISORB(TM) Spinal Fusion System is mechanically comparable to bone in an interbody fusion model.

Currently approved metallic spinal fusion devices have several inherent disadvantages that may result in stress shielding, decreased bone mineral density, osteopenia, and implant loosening. CSI's WISORB(TM) device reduces the risk of these clinical complications by mirroring both mechanical properties and composition of vertebral bone. Dr. Frank Kandziora, a physician at the Charite University Medical Center and CSI collaborator, saw an immediate application for his clinic patients, "Biodegradable cages will be able to increase the clinical outcome of our patients significantly by eliminating the disadvantages and complications associated with metallic cages."

The Spine study compared traditional titanium, allograft and biodegradable polymeric cages with and without a proprietary DONTEX(TM) scaffold to determine stiffness and failure load of the L4/5 motion segment in 48 cadaveric spines. The WISORB(TM) devices showed mechanical properties at least as good as those of the allograft cages and, when combined with the DONTEX(TM) scaffold, the WISORB(TM) cage resulted in higher stiffness and comparable failure load to titanium cages.

Cambridge Scientific, Inc. is a private, biomedical research and development firm located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, dedicated to commercializing biopolymer-based medical technologies. In July, CSI received FDA 510(k) clearance for its WISORB(TM) Malleolar Screw, a bioabsorbable fixation screw indicated for simple fractures, such as those of the ankle, foot and distal radius. In addition to the WISORB(TM) Spinal Fusion System, CSI is also actively developing DONTEX(TM), a porous bioabsorbable bone graft substitute, with structural and mechanical properties similar to bone, to complement its orthopedic product portfolio. For more information visit: www.cambridgescientificinc.com

This news release contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Forward-looking statements, including statements about product development status and clinical trials, represent the company's judgment as of the time of this release. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.