Peer-Reviewed Papers Identify Tutogen Tutoplast Processed Tissue Implants as Superior.

Business Editors

WEST PATTERSON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 18, 2002

Tutogen Medical, Inc., (AMEX: TTG) has been recognized in multiple papers published in peer-reviewed journals during the past 12 months. Tutogen's Tutoplast Processed(R) tissue was found to produce safe and superior results.

In the journal Cell Biochemistry, a study was published on the use of recombinant BMP-7 to stimulate bone growth. Blocks of Geistlich's Bio-Oss, Ceramed's PepGen and Tutoplast bovine were used as carriers. Cell growth and differentiation was similar in all three carriers with Tutpoplast bovine having the additional advantage that it was the only absorbable carrier and as such provides an osteo-conductive scaffold for complete cellular remodeling which is verified by the histological evidence. This was noted by the authors who state, "Our observation suggests that an organic bovine bone has the 3-D structure that provides the opportunity for bone formation within the material."

A study conducted at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary which compared the preservation of the biomechanical and structural integrity of Tutoplast fascia lata with LifeCell's Alloderm, and with tissue bank supplied freeze-dried fascias lata, found that, "AlloDerm and Tutoplast retain more natural architecture and physical properties. These differences clearly show the effect of the specific processing."

Another study from the University of Cincinnati and Mount Vernon Continence Center, Knox Community Hospital, Mount Vernon, Ohio, published in the Journal of Urology, studied the presence of intact genetic material in the form of DNA viruses. The potential safety of tissue is directly related to the degree of DNA degradation effected during the tissue's processing. In the study, commercially available processed allograft tissue from four leading processors was examined using gel electrophoresis to determine what degree of DNA degradation was accomplished by the different tissue processors. "Gel electrophoresis revealed that DNA in Mentor (Tutogen Tutoplast(R) Processed) fascia lata was most degraded, DNA in Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation and Regeneration Technologies (RTIX) fascia lata was moderately degraded and DNSA in Life Cell cadaver dermis was not at all significantly degraded."

Manfred Kruger, CEO of Tutogen commented, "Our Tutoplast Process continues to outperform competitive products, and the processes that are used to prepare biological implants. From donor procurement to finished sterile biological implant, Tutogen's mission remains the patients' health and wellbeing. Tutoplast products represent the most natural and acceptable alternative to autograft by reducing patient discomfort and healing time."

Tutogen Medical, Inc. manufactures sterile biological implant products made from human (allograft) and animal (xenograft) tissue. Tutogen utilizes its Tutoplast Process(R) for tissue preservation and viral inactivation, to manufacture and deliver sterile bio-implants used in spinal/trauma, urology, dental, ophthalmology, and general surgery procedures. Tutogen's products can be stored at room temperature and have a shelf life of 5 years. The Company's Tutoplast(R) products are sold and distributed worldwide by Centerpulse, (NYSE; CEP), the Mentor Corporation (NMS: MNTR), IOP, Inc. and through independent distributors and subsidiaries in the U.S. and Germany. For more information, visit the Company's web site at http://www.tutogen.com.

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may differ materially from those set forth in these statements. In addition, the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors identified in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could affect such results.