TSL Thinksmart Limited

RNS Number:2663A
Tissue Science Laboratories PLC
22 August 2002

                                                                  22 August 2002



             LAUNCH OF PERMACOL(TM) INJECTION UBA IN EUROPE


Tissue Science Laboratories plc ("TSL"), the medical devices company
specialising in human tissue replacement and repair, announces the launch of
Permacol(TM) Injection UBA (Urethral Bulking Agent) in Europe, for the treatment
of female stress incontinence.  The product is being launched at the
International Urogynecology Association Conference in Prague today.  The product
will be launched initially in the UK and distributed through TSL's own sales
force.  It will then be rolled out to the rest of Europe and the US.

Stress incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine while coughing, sneezing,
laughing, lifting, or exercise, is the most common type of urinary incontinence.
Worldwide, 23 million people suffer from stress or mixed incontinence, of whom
10 million are women in the U.S.  The most common cause is a weakening of the
pelvic floor tissue during pregnancy and childbirth.  Although the market is
dominated by women, between 5-15% of men are also sufferers, primarily following
prostate operations.  In total, there are approximately 1.3 million people being
treated for stress incontinence in the EU, with a similar number in the US.  The
average cost of treatment in the US is $634, giving a potential market value of
around $1billion in this market alone.

The percentage of patients being treated for the condition is low compared with
the number of sufferers.  This is due to a number of issues associated with
existing treatments, such as long term safety concerns with synthetic
injectables, the multiple injections required by existing collagen products due
to enzyme breakdown of the material or the need for invasive surgery.
Permacol(TM) injection UBA is a natural product and therefore has none of the
safety concerns associated with synthetic alternatives and also, only
necessitates a one-off treatment to provide a long-lasting solution.

Commenting on the launch of the new product, Martin Hunt, CEO of TSL said:

"The launch of Permacol(TM) UBA into Europe is a significant milestone for TSL.
This injectable form of Permacol(TM) opens up a range of new applications and
opportunities for our core technology.  We are confident Permacol(TM) will provide
a natural alternative to synthetic products and offer a long-term solution to
sufferers of a debilitating condition for many women and men."



                                     -Ends-



Enquiries:


TSL plc                                                  Tel:  01252 333 002
Martin Hunt, Chief Executive

Financial Dynamics                                       Tel:  020 7831 3113
Melanie Toyne-Sewell / Samantha Robbins



Notes to Editors

Background on TSL

Founded in 1995 with headquarters in Aldershot, Hampshire, TSL has used its
proprietary technology to launch successfully its first product, Permacol(TM)
Surgical Implant, and build a pipeline of development products that address the
large and fast growing surgical implant and woundcare markets.  The Company
floated in November 2001 and is listed on the Alternative Investment Market.

Permacol(TM) Surgical Implant is a flat sheet of collagen / elastin matrix, which
has received marketing approval from the regulatory authorities in US and Europe
and can be used across a number of surgical disciplines.  Permacol(TM) is
currently being sold in the US by CR Bard in the field of gynaecology and
urology and by an independent sales force for recurrent hernia repair.  There
are two follow-on products, Permacol(TM) Injection UBA (Urethral Bulking Agent)
for female stress incontinence and a wound care application for chronic wounds,
both of which have marketing approval for Europe.  A further follow-on product,
Permacol(TM) Injection CR for use in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, is
expected to receive marketing approval in Europe in 2002.




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END

PRLPUUQARUPPGMG

Grafico Azioni Thinksmart (LSE:TSL)
Storico
Da Set 2024 a Ott 2024

Grafico Azioni Thinksmart (LSE:TSL)
Storico
Da Ott 2023 a Ott 2024