Derma Sciences, a tissue regeneration company focussed on advanced wound care, announces that AMNIOEXCEL and AMNIOMATRIX, amniotic allografts derived from placental tissues, have been added to the Premier, Inc. Regenerative Skin Grafting contract portfolio. The announcement increases the opportunity for the AMNIOEXCEL and AMNIOMATRIX product lines, which continue to be adopted by clinicians in many health care facilities, including Veterans Administration and Military Hospitals, to be used in patient care.

"Amniotic tissue technology facilitates excellent clinical outcomes with difficult, non-healing wounds," said Edward Eisenlord, vice president of Corporate Accounts at Derma Sciences. "We are thrilled that more doctors and patients will benefit from access to these fairly priced advanced skin substitute products." This new agreement offers Premier alliance members access to Derma Sciences' complete amniotic allograft product line.

"Derma Sciences' Amniotic Allograft products have shown impressive clinical results on my patients," said Dr. Dimitrios Lintzeris, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Goldsboro, NC. "The ability to use AMNIOEXCEL and/or AMNIOMATRIX, depending on my patients' wound management needs, is very beneficial to my practice."

"This partnership with Premier, Inc. is an important milestone for our Amniotic Allograft product line as we continue to expand our presence as a leader in the tissue regeneration market," said Barry Wolfenson, Group President, Advanced Wound Care and Product Development at Derma Sciences. "As industry front-runners, we are always looking for ways to expand access and reach more patients with our advanced treatment options. This partnership with Premier, Inc. will help us get there."

AMNIOEXCEL is an Amniotic Allograft Membrane used on challenging and non-healing wounds. As a dehydrated human amnion-derived tissue allograft, AMNIOEXCEL maintains the natural, inherent properties of the native tissue including an intact extracellular matrix and growth factors. It provides a structural tissue for the repair, replacement or reconstruction of damaged skin. AMNIOEXCEL is a natural alternative to synthetics and xenografts, is flexible and conformable to the wound bed, and is not side-specific in its application.

AMNIOMATRIX is derived from the components of the amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid recovered from living donors after a full term pregnancy. It was developed using a proprietary CryoPrime process, which preserves the structural properties of the collagen, cytokines, growth factors, inherent matrix and cellular materials.

Both AMNIOEXCEL and AMNIOMATRIX have expansive access and availability to the healthcare market including being listed on the VA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS), which ensures product availability in VA and military medical centres, outpatient clinics and community living centers across the US.