Biosurgical Composite Cleared for Use in Hernia Repairs
Sepramesh is a prosthetic surgical mesh designed to be sutured in place along the abdominal wall to support and strengthen hernia repairs. Sepramesh contains a bioresorbable barrier that separates the mesh from underlying tissue and organ surfaces to minimize tissue attachment to the mesh.
Sepramesh is one of a family of hyaluron-based biomaterial products Genzyme Surgical Products is developing for a range of surgical indications. Seprafilm bioresorbable membrane addresses the problem of adhesive disease in both gastrointestinal and gynecological surgeries. Seprafilm has been approved in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan.
The company plans to launch Sepramesh in the second quarter of this year, focusing initially on the treatment of incisional hernias, which result from weaknesses in the abdominal wall caused by previous surgical procedures.
Genzyme Corp. and Biomatrix Inc. recently announced their agreement to form Genzyme Biosurgery, a new division of Genzyme that will be composed of Biomatrix, a manufacturer of viscoelastic biomaterials for use in orthopedic and other medical applications; Genzyme Tissue Repair, a developer of biological products for the treatment of orthopedic injuries and severe burns; and Genzyme Surgical Products (see related story).