LAS VEGAS, June 9, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Nobel Biocare (Other OTC:NBCHF), the world leader in innovative aesthetic dental solutions and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth (NYSE:WYE), one of the world's largest research-driven pharmaceutical and healthcare products companies, have signed a licensing agreement, granting Nobel Biocare exclusive rights to recombinant human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in combination with dental implants.
The companies have collaborated since 1997 on projects involving biologics and bone induction. Experimental research has shown that it is possible to make new bone at dental implants with a technology that combines rhBMP-2 and Nobel Biocare's unique implant surface TiUnite(r).
This breakthrough technology is expected to replace today's invasive, painful and time-consuming surgical procedures involving membranes and other grafting techniques for patients who do not have sufficient quantities of bone.
"The bone inductive implant will revolutionize dental implantology," says Heliane Canepa, CEO of Nobel Biocare. "We are very proud to be the first company in our industry to exploit this promising research field, which will eventually provide patients suffering from bone loss with fast, painless minimal-invasive solutions."
In order to prepare the clinical trials and to commercialize the findings, an agreement has been signed with Wyeth granting Nobel Biocare exclusive rights to rhBMP-2 in combination with dental implants for North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and the Middle East. Wyeth will provide consulting services to Nobel Biocare in obtaining additional licenses for Europe and Asia.
Financial details of the licensing agreement were not disclosed.
Disclaimer:
This release may contain forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, projections of future performance of materials and products, financial conditions, results of operations and cash flows, containing risks and uncertainties. These statements are subject to change based on unknown risks and other factors that could cause the actual results or performance to differ materially from the statements made herein.
Nobel Biocare is a medical devices group and the world leader in innovative aesthetic dental solutions with its brands Branemark System(r), NobelSpeedy(tm), NobelReplace(tm), NobelPerfect(r), NobelDirect(r), Replace(r) Select, (dental implants) and Procera(r) (individualized dental prosthetics). Nobel Biocare is a one-stop shop for restorative aesthetic dentistry, offering a wide range of innovative Crown and Bridge and Implant products, as well as training and education and clinically documented treatment concepts. Nobel Biocare has some 1,550 employees and recorded revenue of EUR 388 million in 2004. The company is domiciled in Zurich, Switzerland with headquarters in Zurich and in Gothenburg, Sweden. Production takes place at four production sites located in Sweden and the USA. Nobel Biocare has direct sales organizations in 29 countries. The shares of the parent company Nobel Biocare Holding AG are listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange and on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, Sweden.
Celebrating 40 years of scientific heritage. In 1965, the first patient was treated with the original scientific dental implant system, the Branemark System(r). This event marked a breakthrough in modern dental implant therapy. Since then, millions of people have been helped with dental implants, enjoying improved function, appearance and quality of life. The original fixtures that were placed in the first patient 40 years ago are still in place, providing the individual with firm bridge support. The Branemark System(r) has been scientifically documented in 1,500 articles.
TiUnite(r) is a titanium oxide layer, which is formed from the titanium metal of the implant. During an electrochemical process, the implant surface oxide grows and a porous structure is formed. The resulting surface, TiUnite(r), is highly crystalline and contains rutile and anatase, the most common forms of titanium oxide. TiUnite(r) is not a typical rough surface but rather a textured and porous surface.
TiUnite(r), which is a biomaterial, has conclusively demonstrated its ability to maintain primary stability while shortening healing times. Data from a four-year study also show that TiUnite(r) makes it possible to maintain a high bone level and to restore an excellent aesthetic appearance. Its unique surface structure will now also be used as carrier of bioactive agents, i.e. rhBMP-2.
Wyeth is one of the world's largest research-driven pharmaceutical and health care products companies. It is a leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology products and nonprescription medicines that improve the quality of life for people worldwide. The Company's major divisions include Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare and Fort Dodge Animal Health.