LA JOLLA, Calif., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Tissue Sciences, Inc.
(Nasdaq: ATIS) announced today the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 5,863,531 for
the tissue engineering of three-dimensional tubular structures including but
not limited to blood vessels, living stents, gastrointestinal structures, and
tissues of the genitourinary tract. This patent broadens the Company's patent
position to include over 49 issued U.S. patents directly owned or licensed by
Advanced Tissue Sciences.
The newly issued patent covers tissue-engineered tubular structures as
well as the method of preparing and implanting these products. This patent
extends through January 2016, giving Advanced Tissue Sciences a proprietary
position for the production of these tissue replacements for the
cardiovascular market and for products addressing digestive system disorders
and reproductive and urinary dysfunction.
"Our progress in the development of tissue-engineered blood vessels, aided
by funding under our $2 million National Institute of Science and Technology
(NIST) Award, demonstrates the strength of our approach to developing
innovative products that address critical clinical needs," commented Gail K.
Naughton, Ph.D., President and Chief Operating Officer. "The issuance of this
new patent is timely as we look to enter into a strategic alliance for the
development of tissue-engineered cardiovascular products, such as blood
vessels for peripheral disease and for bypass surgery."
Advanced Tissue Sciences is a tissue-engineering company utilizing its
proprietary core technology to develop and manufacture human tissue products
for tissue repair and transplantation. The Company currently has two products
on the market, TransCyte(TM), the first human, fibroblast-derived temporary
skin substitute for full and partial-thickness burns in the United States, and
Dermagraft(R), a living permanent dermal replacement for the treatment of
diabetic foot ulcers (currently available in Canada and the United Kingdom)
through a joint venture with Smith & Nephew plc. In addition to TransCyte and
Dermagraft, the Company is also developing products for cartilage and
cardiovascular applications.
The discussion contained in this press release relating to research,
development, or commercialization of the Company's products involves certain
risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that the Company's patents
will afford protection against competitors with similar technologies or
processes or that such patents will not be infringed upon or designed around
by others. Further, no assurances can be given that the Company will
successfully enter into any further strategic alliances. These and other
risks are detailed in publicly available filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission such as the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1997. Actual results may differ materially from those
currently anticipated as a result of such risks, and results for interim
periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full
year.
SOURCE Advanced Tissue Sciences, Inc.
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800-758-5804, ext. 532975
CONTACT:
Cheryl B. Monblatt, Director, Corporate
Communications and Investor Relations of Advanced Tissue
Sciences, Inc., 619-713-7802
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