Smith & Nephew Announces the Global Launch of New ALLEVYN* Ag Gentle and ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border Antimicrobial Dressings

HULL, UK--(Marketwire - September 16, 2009) - Smith & Nephew's (LSE: SN) (NYSE: SNN) Advanced Wound Management division, announced today that it is launching two extensions to the ALLEVYN Ag range of dressings; ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border and ALLEVYN Ag Gentle. These dressings will combine the antimicrobial protection of silver with the gentleness of silicone and soft gel adhesives that have been specifically designed to minimise pain to the patient and trauma to the wound at dressing removal.

These two new exciting ALLEVYN Ag variants are available in a range of sizes and offer patients living with a wound and clinicians three key benefits: antimicrobial protection to help fight infection; minimal pain on removal at dressing change and superior fluid management thanks to the unique triple action technology of ALLEVYN.

Roger Teasdale, President, Smith & Nephew Advanced Wound Management, said, "The addition of these two new ALLEVYN Ag variants will undoubtedly add to the growing success of ALLEVYN and will enable us to maintain our position as the leading global brand within the foam dressings market. ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border provides the perfect opportunity to reinforce the perception of Smith & Nephew as leading the way in woundcare as we will be the first company to offer an adhesive bordered silicone silver product which combines the benefits of silver and silicone gel technology. I am pleased that we have been able to enhance the ALLEVYN Ag range in a way which offers additional benefits and choice to our customers and which will continue to improve the quality of life for patients living with a wound."

It was encouraging to note that these new additions were enthusiastically greeted by US clinicians following their recent launch: "An innovative new dressing which provides antimicrobial protection, as well as the ability to remove and re-apply without disruption of the wound base, which is suitable for many types of wounds especially skin tears" Paula Kotz, BSN, RN, C, CWOCN, E.T. Consultant Services Inc., Asheville, NC.

The launch of ALLEVYN Ag Gentle and ALLEVYN Ag Gentle Border means that we now offer a complete range of foam dressings for infected as well as non infected wounds and are in the unique position of being able to provide a clinically proven and cost effective solution for all customers foam dressing needs.

For more information regarding Smith & Nephew, please visit our Web site at http://www.smith-nephew.com

About Smith & Nephew

Smith & Nephew is a global medical technology business, specializing in Orthopaedics, including Reconstruction, Trauma and Clinical Therapies, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management. Smith & Nephew is a global leader in arthroscopy and advanced wound management and is one of the leading global orthopaedics companies.

Smith & Nephew is dedicated to helping improve people's lives. The Company prides itself on the strength of its relationships with its surgeons and professional healthcare customers, with whom its name is synonymous with high standards of performance, innovation and trust. The Company operates in 32 countries around the world. Annual sales in 2008 were nearly $3.8 billion.

Forward-Looking Statements

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*Trademark of Smith & Nephew

Contact Information: Inquiries Press Sidonie Myers Head of Communication Smith & Nephew Advanced Wound Management +44 (0) 1482 673246 Investors and Analysts Phil Cowdy Director Investor Relations Smith & Nephew +44 (0) 20 7401 7646