LifeCell Corporation has entered into an exclusive marketing services agreement with Stryker Howmedica Osteonics, the orthopedic implant division of Stryker Corporation.
Stryker Howmedica Osteonics, a leading provider of orthopedic implants, will serve as the exclusive marketing agent in the United States for a new human tissue based bone-grafting product that is being developed by LifeCell. Once introduced into the market, this new product, which utilizes LifeCell's proprietary tissue processing technology in combination with demineralized bone matrix, will provide orthopedic surgeons with a new option for bone grafting. LifeCell currently expects to complete its development efforts and have product available for market introduction by the end of 2003.
"We are extremely pleased to add Stryker Howmedica Osteonics to our family of world-class sales and marketing partners," stated Paul G. Thomas, LifeCell's President and CEO. "We believe that our innovative approach to tissue regeneration combined with Stryker's strength in the orthopedic market is a winning combination."
Under the terms of the agreement, LifeCell will be responsible for product development, tissue processing and distribution. Stryker Howmedica Osteonics will be responsible for marketing, customer education and solicitation of orders through its network of representatives and distributor agents.