ALACHUA, Fla., Dec. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Regeneration Technologies, Inc. (RTI) , the Florida-based processor of orthopedic, cardiovascular and other biologic implants, today announced the first clinical implantations of its Sterling(R) xenograft implants. Sterling interference screws have been recently implanted as tendon fixation for ACL replacement surgeries, and Sterling cancellous chips and cubes have been used as bone graft substitutes for total hip replacement revision procedures. All surgeries were successful.
The new Sterling product line, which includes the interference screws and cancellous chips and cubes, is available immediately through RTI’s direct distribution representatives. RTI will be officially launching the Sterling xenograft line at the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting in March 2006.
“Our focus on delivering BioCleanse(R)-sterilized xenograft implants to the marketplace has the potential to alter the landscape of biologic healing, just as our introduction of precision-shaped implants did years ago,” said Roger W. Rose, RTI executive vice president.
Zerby Named Vice President
To continue the momentum of the market launch for the xenograft product line, Tara Zerby will assume the newly created role of vice president, xenograft technologies. Zerby will transition from her previous role as general manager of RTI - Cardiovascular as she assumes her new responsibilities.
“This is a very exciting and positive change for our company,” said Brian K. Hutchison, RTI chairman, president and CEO. “By showing our commitment to xenograft in this manner, we are better able to focus and maximize this very important opportunity for our company.
“While we remain committed to providing much-needed allograft implants to surgeons and their patients, the success of our xenograft products in the marketplace means that more patients than ever can be helped through safe, biologic implants processed by RTI.”
Zerby joined RTI in November 2004 as general manager of RTI - Cardiovascular, formerly the Alabama Tissue Center. She brings with her over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and management in the medical device industry. Prior to her current position, Zerby operated her own consulting firm, assisting start-up medical device companies. She was also the executive director of marketing and clinical applications for Stereotaxis, Inc., and business unit director, surgical systems and director of global sales for Cryocath Technologies.
Zerby earned an M.B.A. from University of Wisconsin, an M.A. from Georgia State and a B.A. from Wake Forest.
About Regeneration Technologies, Inc.
RTI processes allograft and xenograft tissue into shaped implants for use in orthopedic, cardiovascular and other surgeries with a commitment to science, safety and innovation.
RTI also holds the patents on BioCleanse(R), the only proven tissue sterilization process validated to eliminate viruses, bacteria, fungi and spores from tissue without impacting the structural or biomechanical integrity of the tissue. The company has distributed more than 650,000 allograft implants sterilized with the BioCleanse process with zero incidence of infection. RTI is accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks and was named a 2004 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum.
Except for historical information, any statements made in this press release about the company’s anticipated financial results, future operational results, regulatory approvals or changes to the company’s agreements with its distributors are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties, such as those described in the company’s public filings on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results reflected in these forward-looking statements. Copies of the company’s SEC filings may be obtained by contacting the company or the SEC or by visiting RTI’s web site at http://www.rtix.com or the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov .
Regeneration Technologies, Inc.
CONTACT: Wendy Crites Wacker, APR, Corporate Communications, RegenerationTechnologies, +1-386-418-8888
Web site: http://www.rtix.com/