Self-Retaining System facilitates wound closure.

Press Release Summary:



Using barbed design, Quill® Self-Retaining System eliminates need for knots and drawbacks associated with knot tying. It gives surgeons greater control over tissue approximation, with continuous controlled tension at each bite. In addition to reducing procedural time, system improves cosmesis by offering controlled tension to minimize scarring potential, and reduces ischemic demands on tissue, minimizing risk of wound re-opening.



Original Press Release:



Angiotech launches the Quill(R) Self-Retaining System (SRS)



VANCOUVER, Jan. 24 /-- Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ANPI)(NASDAQ:TSX:)(NASDAQ:ANP) today announced the U.S. launch of its Quill(R) Self-Retaining System (SRS) for tissue approximation. The Quill(R) SRS is a revolutionary concept in wound closure that harnesses advanced technology for greater accuracy, faster procedures and better results. The wound closure market in the United States is valued at approximately US $1.7 billion and has not seen any significant product innovations in many years.

Using a patented barbed design, Angiotech believes that the Quill(R) SRS offers an elegant time-saving option for surgeons, which eliminates the need for knots while providing improved tissue approximation. "The Quill(R) SRS possesses the strength and control of sutures combined with the speed and ease of applying staples. We believe that this novel technology incorporates the best features of both sutures and staples, and represents a new 'class' of wound closure products," said Pete Molinaro, President, Wound Closure and Ophthalmology at Angiotech.

Typically, even "easy" knots take time to tie using conventional sutures. In addition to other benefits, Angiotech believes that the Quill(R) SRS could reduce procedure times, resulting in cost-savings in the OR and shorter operation times for patients. The Quill(R) SRS could be of even greater benefit to the surgeon or physician whenever knots can be challenging to tie, such as in endoscopic procedures.

Over the coming year, Angiotech anticipates pursuing CE mark and regulatory product approvals outside of the U.S. and continuing to develop a portfolio of next-generation Quill(R) product lines. "By leveraging the prior acquisition of Quill Medical and creating new product innovations, we continue to execute on our business strategy. Moving forward, we expect to continue to ramp up our wound closure sales force, which is a key division of growth for Angiotech," said Dr. William Hunter, President and CEO of Angiotech.

About the Quill(R) Self-Retaining System (SRS)

Because the Quill(R) SRS is knot-less, many of the drawbacks associated with knot-tying are reduced or eliminated. Some potential benefits may include:

- Decreases procedural time by eliminating knots, providing interrupted security at running speed
- Enables surgeons to have greater control for tissue approximation, with continuous controlled tension at each bite
- Eliminates need for "third hand"
- Improves cosmesis by offering controlled tension to reduce scarring potential
- Reduces ischemic demands on the tissue, minimizing the risk of dehiscence (wound re-opening)
- Provides procedural enabling applications including tension support to facilitate wound closure

About Angiotech's Wound Closure Division
Angiotech's wound closure division has extensive manufacturing and sales expertise, dating back over 100 years. Angiotech's direct sales force offers a complete line of wound closure products for tissue approximation and ligation, under such brand names as Sharpoint(R), LOOK(R) and Quill(R). Some focus markets include: ophthalmic surgery, microsurgery, micro-urological surgery and office based surgery. These products are offered in a variety of absorbable and non-absorbable suture materials, possessing superior sharpness, penetration, and strength characteristics.

Quill(R) is a registered trademark of Quill Medical, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Sharpoint(R) and LOOK(R) are registered trademarks of Surgical Specialties Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

About Angiotech
Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global specialty pharmaceutical and medical device company with 17 facilities in 6 countries and over 1,500 dedicated employees. Angiotech discovers, develops and markets innovative treatment solutions for diseases or complications associated with medical device implants, surgical interventions and acute injury. To find out more about Angiotech (NASDAQ:ANPI)(NASDAQ:TSX:)(NASDAQ:ANP), please visit our website at www.angiotech.com.

CONTACT: Janet Craig, VP, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (604) 221-6933, jcraig@angio.com; Jodi Regts, Manager, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (604) 221-7930, jregts@angio.com

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