Teijin Limited Develops Plant-Based Biodegradable Adhesion Prevention Gel New Solution for Laparoscopic Surgery

Tokyo, Japan, September 19, 2013 --- Teijin Limited announced today that it has developed an adhesion prevention gel made with a plant-based biodegradable polymer that is expected to be effectively applied to laparoscopic surgery. The company plans to commercialize the material by 2020.

Teijin’s newly developed gel-form polysaccharide polymer is derived from chemically modified cellulose. As a gel, it can easily be used in narrow fields or on body parts with complex shapes, and as a plant-based biodegradable polymer, it is simply absorbed by the body after a few days with no need for surgical removal. Animal testing has already shown it to be effective in preventing adhesion.

Teijin is concurrently developing instruments specially designed for use in laparoscopic surgery, with this gel positioned as an optimal companion product.

Adhesions are fibrous bands that can grow between normally unconnected tissues after surgery, resulting in pain and serious postoperative complications such as intestinal obstructions or infertility. Adhesion prevention materials are used to keep tissues apart during the surgery and after, while tissues are healing. However, most existing adhesion prevention materials come in sheet form, which is difficult to use in narrow operating fields or laparoscopic surgery.

Healthcare is one of the growth drivers in the Teijin group’s medium- to long-term management vision. The group plans to integrate its materials and healthcare technologies to facilitate its expansion into this business area.

About the Teijin Group

Teijin (TSE 3401) is a technology-driven global group offering advanced solutions in the areas of sustainable transportation, information and electronics, safety and protection, environment and energy, and healthcare. Its main fields of operation are high-performance fibers such as aramid, carbon fibers & composites, healthcare, films, resin & plastic processing, polyester fibers, products converting and IT. The group has some 150 companies and around 17,000 employees spread out over 20 countries worldwide. It posted consolidated sales of JPY745.7 billion (USD 7.4 billion) and total assets of JPY 762.4 billion (USD7.6 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. Please visit www.teijin.com .

Press Contact

Wenjie He

Corporate Communications

Teijin Limited

+81 3 3506 4055

pr@teijin.co.jp

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