PROTEIN POLYMER REPORTS SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT
OF A NEW TISSUE SEALANT FOR USE IN LUNG, ABDOMINAL AND
CARDIIOVASCULAR SURGERY
SAN DIEGO,
March 1, 2005 -- Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc.
(OTC Bulletin Board: PPTI) announced today the successful
development of a new surgical sealant designed to prevent
air and fluid leaks following lung, gastrointestinal, and
cardiovascular surgery. Following the completion of required
preclinical testing, the Company intends to seek approval
for an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) with the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration in order to conduct clinical
trials in humans.
Air and fluid leaks following surgery are a common source
of complications often leading to further surgery. PPTI’s
surgical sealant is applied following closure of tissues
with sutures or staples. Using a simple dual-syringe applicator,
the sealant is sprayed over the surgical incision. In less
than a minute, a tough yet flexible barrier – strongly
adherent to the tissue being repaired – is formed.
As the tissue heals, the sealant gradually resorbs. Ease
of use, strength, flexibility, and resorption are the key
product features required for the targeted applications.
“
The performance demonstrated with this new product is an
exciting milestone in the continuing commercial development
of our core tissue adhesive technology,” said Donald
S. Kaplan, Ph.d., President and Chief Operating Officer. “The
properties requirements are in many ways different from those
of the spinal disc repair product we have been working with
Spine Wave to develop. The accomplishments of our product
development team clearly demonstrate the breadth of capabilities
of this technology. We are eager to move this new product
candidate into the clinic.”
Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc., is a San Diego-based
company focused on developing products to improve medical
and surgical outcomes. From its inception in 1988, PPTI has
been a pioneer in protein design and synthesis, creating
an extensive portfolio of proprietary biomaterials for use
in the development of bioactive devices. These genetically
engineered biomaterials are high molecular weight proteins,
processed into products with physical and biological characteristics
tailored to specific clinical performance requirements. Targeted
products include urethral bulking agents for the treatment
of stress urinary incontinence, dermal augmentation products
for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, surgical adhesives
and sealants, scaffolds for wound healing and tissue engineering,
and depots for local drug delivery. To date, PPTI has been
issued twenty-six U.S. Patents on its core technology with
corresponding issued and pending patents in key international
markets
Contacts:
J. Thomas Parmeter, Ph.D.
President
Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc.
(858) 558-6064
info@ppti.com
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About
Protein Polymer Technologies
Protein Polymer Technologies,
Inc., is a San Diego-based company focused on developing
bioactive devices to improve
medical and surgical outcomes. From its inception in
1988, PPTI has been a pioneer in protein design and
synthesis, creating an extensive portfolio of proprietary
biomaterials
for use in the development of bioactive devices. These
genetically engineered biomaterials are high molecular
weight proteins, processed into products with physical
and biological characteristics tailored to specific
clinical performance requirements. Targeted products
include urethral
bulking agents for the treatment of stress urinary
incontinence, dermal augmentation products for cosmetic
and reconstructive
surgery, surgical adhesives and sealants, scaffolds
for wound healing and tissue engineering, and depots
for
local drug delivery. To date, PPTI has been issued
twenty-five U.S. Patents on its core technology with
corresponding
issued and pending patents in key international markets.
Safe Harbor
This press release contains forward-looking statements
that are based on management’s views and expectations.
Actual results could differ materially from those expressed
here; further, the Company is not obligated to comment
specifically on those differences. Risks associated with
the Company’s activities include raising adequate
capital to continue operations scientific and product
development uncertainties, competitive products and approaches,
continuing collaborative partnership interest and funding,
regulatory testing and approvals, and manufacturing scale
up. The reader is encouraged to refer to the Company’s
2003
Annual Report Form 10-KSB, and other recent filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of
which are available from the Company, to further ascertain
the risks associated with the above statements.
