Smith & Nephew plc Introduces New Biologic to Speed Healing

MEMPHIS, Tenn. and SAN FRANCISCO, March 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Nephew, Inc.'s Orthopaedic Trauma & Clinical Therapies business today announced the U.S. launch of the CAPTION(TM) Disposable Platelet Concentration System. The CAPTION system simplifies and expedites the collection of platelet rich concentrate (PRC) and eliminates cross- contamination risks.

The CAPTION system is used by the surgical staff to concentrate the platelets from a sample of the patient’s blood. Platelets are round cell fragments in the blood that are responsible for initiation of the body’s natural healing process. When the concentrated platelets are applied to the surgical site, they may help jump start the body’s natural healing response.

The CAPTION system creates a PRC of up to four times the original level and takes 40% less time than standard centrifugation. Furthermore, the disposable CAPTION system arrives sterile and all materials are disposed after use, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination. The PRC made by the CAPTION system consists of platelet cells suspended in a proprietary solution.

“Until now the preparation of platelet rich concentrate has been burdensome for my surgical staff,” says Dr. Steven Moran from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. “Fortunately, the new CAPTION system allows for the simple and rapid collection of platelet rich concentrate, without the hassle of a centrifuge.”

The CAPTION system was developed by Smith & Nephew scientists and innovation teams based at the company’s Research Center in York, UK, and at the Orthopaedic Trauma & Clinical Therapies Global Business Unit in Memphis, Tenn.

“We are proud to be able to offer this new technology to our customers. The product application is universal because platelets naturally aid in the healing process of multiple tissue types,” said Mark Augusti, president of Smith & Nephew Orthopaedic Trauma & Clinical Therapies. “CAPTION is also a great example of what great things two cutting-edge teams can accomplish for the good of our customers and their patients.”

The CAPTION system joins the company’s biologic portfolio, which includes the EXOGEN 4000+(TM) ultrasound bone healing system and SUPARTZ(R) treatment the world’s number one joint fluid therapy for pain reduction of the knee.

About us

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specializing in Orthopaedic Trauma & Clinical Therapies, Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products. Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the leading global orthopaedics companies.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people’s lives. The Company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The Company operates in 32 countries around the world. Annual sales in 2007 were nearly $3.4 billion.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In particular, statements regarding planned growth in our business and in our trading margins discussed under “Outlook” are forward-looking statements as are discussions of our product pipeline. These statements, as well as the phrases “aim”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “well-placed”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target”, “consider” and similar expressions, are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward- looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors (including, but not limited to, the outcome of litigation and regulatory approvals) that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Smith & Nephew, or industry results, to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Please refer to the documents that Smith & Nephew has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Smith & Nephew’s most recent annual report on Form 20F, for a discussion of certain of these factors.

All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Smith & Nephew as of the date hereof. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to Smith & Nephew or any person acting on behalf of Smith & Nephew are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing. Smith & Nephew does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Smith & Nephew’s expectation with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

CONTACT: Media, Victor Rocha, +1-901-399-6771,
victor.rocha@smith-nephew.com, or Investors, Liz Hewitt, +44-20-7401-7646,
liz.hewitt@smith-nephew.com, both of Smith & Nephew, Inc.

Web site: http://www.smith-nephew.com/