curasan attracts new partner for US distribution

Kleinostheim/Austin, July 12, 2004 – curasan AG (WKN 549 453) has signed an exclusive agreement with Ascension Orthopedics, Inc., Austin/Texas (USA), for the distribution of Cerasorb® Ortho.

The licence granted covers Cerasorb® granules and block forms for applications within the area of orthopaedics, with the exception of the spine market. In parallel, the sales partnership established with Cryolife, Inc. for Cerasorb® granules was discontinued. This decision was prompted by Cryolife's relaunch of its own product portfolio, which meant that sufficient sales capacity for Cerasorb® would no longer be available.

“Cerasorb® stands for progress in bone surgery,” said Hans Dieter Rössler, CEO of curasan AG. “The cooperation with Ascension Orthopedics will unlock new opportunities for both companies.”

“Distribution of Cerasorb® in the US will provide us with greater leverage when it comes to exploiting growth opportunities in the burgeoning orthopedics market,” said Jerome Klawitter, CEO of Ascension Orthopedics.

About Ascension Orthopedics, Inc:

Ascension Orthopedics, Inc. is dedicated to the research, design, development, and marketing of revolutionary orthopaedic solutions aimed at replacing the small skeletal joints of the hand, upper extremity, and foot. The founders of the company are pioneers in the use of PyroCarbon to combat the debilitating effects of arthritis. For further information, please visit the company's corporate website at: www.ascensionortho.com