TEI Biosciences' PriMatrix(TM) Awarded Seal of Approval by American Podiatric Medical Association

BOSTON, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- TEI Biosciences Inc. announced today that its PriMatrix™ Dermal Repair Scaffold has been awarded the coveted American Podiatric Medical Association's (APMA) Seal of Approval.  PriMatrix is a bioactive collagen matrix used in the management of diabetic and venous ulcers, second-degree burns, and surgical and trauma wounds.

APMA is the nation's leading professional society for foot and ankle specialists. The Seal of Approval Program was created to inform podiatric physicians and consumers about products whose quality, safety, and effectiveness promote good foot health.  In order to qualify for the Seal of Approval, PriMatrix had to pass a thorough scientific evaluation by a panel of APMA members. The results were then evaluated by a committee of Doctors of Podiatric Medicine who decided to grant TEI the use of the Seal for PriMatrix.

"TEI is very excited about APMA's Seal of Approval award for PriMatrix," said Yiannis Monovoukas, Ph.D., TEI's Chairman, President and CEO.  "PriMatrix is a novel biologic product proven safe and effective in treating many types of skin wounds in several thousand patients," said Dr. Monovoukas.  "The addition of the APMA's Seal of Approval to PriMatrix is an affirmation of our commitment to developing innovative healthcare products that better meet the needs of physicians and their patients."  

About PriMatrix™ Dermal Repair Scaffold

PriMatrix™ Dermal Repair Scaffold is an acellular collagen matrix derived from fetal bovine dermis, one of the purest forms of collagen available. Due to its bioactive collagen matrix technology, PriMatrix is an ideal material for the management of numerous types of wounds as it supports cell repopulation and revascularization processes essential to wound healing. PriMatrix is rich in Type III collagen, a natural component of fetal dermis that aids in tissue healing and regeneration.

PriMatrix is intended for the management of wounds that include: partial and full thickness wounds; pressure, diabetic, and venous ulcers; second-degree burns; surgical wounds; trauma wounds; tunneled/undermined wounds; and draining wounds.  

For more information, please visit TEI's website at www.teibio.com.

About TEI Biosciences Inc.

A Boston-based, privately-held, leading biomedical company, TEI Biosciences Inc. has applied its expertise in regenerative medicine to develop and commercialize novel biologic products for a broad spectrum of soft tissue repair, regeneration, and reinforcement applications -- from plastic and reconstructive surgery to dura, tendon, and hernia repair, and wound management.

TEI sells its products directly and through partnerships with some of the world's major medical device companies.  TEI's marketed products include:

• SurgiMend® for plastic and reconstructive surgery, breast reconstruction, muscle flap reinforcement, hernia repair, and abdominal wall reconstruction;
• PriMatrix™ for skin wound management;
• Durepair® for cranial and spinal dura mater repair (marketed by Medtronic);
• Xenform™  for pelvic floor reconstruction (marketed by Boston Scientific);
• TissueMend® for tendon augmentation (marketed by Stryker).

SOURCE TEI Biosciences Inc.