Integra LifeSciences and Conmed Announce Strategic Alliance

Integra LifeSciences Corp. and Conmed Corp. announced an alliance between Integra and Conmed's orthopedic subsidiary, Linvatec Corp. Under the agreement, Linvatec has the exclusive right to purchase Integra's newly developed resorbable polymer for use in specifically permitted applications of Linvatec's orthopedic implants.

Linvatec has responsibility for clinical trials and any necessary regulatory filings, as well as certain minimum annual purchase payments. The companies expect to launch the first products early in the year 2000.

The orthopedic devices are used mainly for the arthroscopic fixation of soft tissue to bone in the knee and shoulder.