AxoGen Assumes Full Distribution Rights for Avance Nerve Graft

ALACHUA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AxoGen, Inc. today announced that it is beginning full distribution of Avance^® Nerve Graft, AxoGen’s proprietary human tissue product for use in the reconstruction of damaged peripheral nerves to all surgeons who perform these procedures. Hand and plastic surgeons use AVANCE to provide patients an option in the repair of nerves damaged due to trauma. Previous exclusive distribution relationships in the extremities have been concluded so AxoGen can provide these surgeons with dedicated clinical sales support.

“AVANCE Nerve Graft has proven to be a safe option to bridge the gap in damaged peripheral nerves. With our established relationships with surgeons and surgical practices across the country, AxoGen is well positioned to coordinate all distribution and marketing responsibilities for AVANCE moving forward”

Beginning in July 2009, AxoGen will begin full distribution of AVANCE. AxoGen anticipates that there will be no disruption in distribution and commercial availability of AVANCE during this transition.

“AVANCE Nerve Graft has proven to be a safe option to bridge the gap in damaged peripheral nerves. With our established relationships with surgeons and surgical practices across the country, AxoGen is well positioned to coordinate all distribution and marketing responsibilities for AVANCE moving forward,” said Karen Zaderej, COO for AxoGen.

AVANCE is a decellularized and cleansed scaffold from donated human peripheral nerve. Introduced in 2007, AVANCE is the first nerve extracellular matrix used to bridge nerve gaps. By bridging the nerve gap with AVANCE, the patient’s body can begin the process of restoring damaged nerves. Similar to what occurs with autograft nerve; regenerating nerve axons grow through the scaffold to connect the severed ends of the nerve fiber, allowing the nerve to function again. AVANCE has been used successfully by surgeons to treat peripheral nerve damage in all areas of the body including the hands, arms, legs and face.

About AxoGen

AxoGen, Inc. is a privately held company working to develop new and more effective products to treat peripheral nerve damage. With the focus of bringing the science of nerve repair to life, AxoGen is working to introduce new technologies to improve the standard of care for patients with injured peripheral nerves. With licensed technologies from the University of Florida, the University of Texas, and Emory University, researchers at AxoGen have developed an innovative technology platform making it possible to process allograft nerves while preserving the relevant characteristics of the three dimensional scaffold of the nerve tissue. Based in Alachua, Florida, AxoGen has received funding from private investors including Accuitive Medical Ventures, Cardinal Partners, De Novo Ventures, Springboard Capital II, LLC, SynoGen, and Emergent Growth Fund of Gainesville, FL.

AxoGen is a registered tissue bank with the FDA.

Visit AxoGen at: www.axogeninc.com