Interpore Cross Presents At Sutro Health Care Conference.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 8, 1999--Presenting at the Sutro & Co. Health Care Conference in San Diego, Interpore Cross International (Nasdaq/NM:BONZ) Thursday provided an update on its progress rolling out its Autologous Growth Factors(tm) (AGF(tm)) product.

As the company approaches its one-year anniversary of the merger between Interpore International and Cross Medical Products, it discussed the unique opportunity that exists with the combination of its biologics and spinal implant products, and its growing presence in the spine market -- the fastest growing segment of orthopedics.

Addressing investors at the conference, Interpore Cross chairman and chief executive officer David C. Mercer said: "Our AGF system has shown excellent clinical results and we are confident that this product could provide significant advancements in the field of bone repair. AGF enables surgeons to expedite the healing and growth process of human bone by utilizing the growth capabilities that exist in a patient's own blood.

"Adding to the excitement is the potential for AGF when combined with our other products," Mercer continued. "By mixing it with a bone graft material such as Interpore's Pro Osteon(R) 500R Resorbable Bone Graft Substitute, AGF actually improves the handling characteristics of the Pro Osteon granules, allowing surgeons more flexibility in shaping the material for the perfect fit.

"Additionally, by blending AGF and the bone graft material with our Synergy(tm) Spinal Implant System, we can now supply all of the materials needed for the entire spine fusion procedure thus providing surgeons with a more complete product offering."

To date, all FDA regulatory approvals have been received for Interpore's AGF technology and the company has commenced a market introduction of AGF-related products to selected accounts.

During a bone graft procedure, a unit of blood is drawn from the patient and, using cell saver equipment routinely available in operating rooms, the blood is separated into several components. One of these components, known as the "buffy coat," particularly rich in platelets, is removed and further processed while the remaining blood components are returned to the patient.

The buffy coat is then passed through Interpore Cross' UltraConcentrator(tm) technology, which removes the water and concentrates the platelets and fibrin -- resulting in AGF.

With headquarters in Irvine, Interpore Cross International is a medical device company that designs, manufactures and markets synthetic bone and tissue products and spinal implant devices on a worldwide basis. The bone and tissue products are used in orthopedic, oral/maxillofacial and ophthalmic applications. The spine products are used to treat degenerative conditions and deformities of the spine.

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking and may involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: product demand and market acceptance risks; risks related to the development of future products; risk that the company will not receive additional regulatory approval of products; and the impact of competitive products. Additional information on factors that could affect the company's financial results and growth prospects is disclosed in the company's reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.