Smith & Nephew Announces Portfolio Addition for Surgeons Managing Traumatic Injuries


LONDON--(Marketwire - December 23, 2009) - Smith & Nephew (NYSE: SNN) (LSE: SN) Advanced Wound Management division, announces the agreement to partner with Gunze Limited, Japan and exclusively distribute PELNAC dermal replacement in Japan, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. PELNAC is a collagen matrix with silicone top layer for use on full thickness injuries such as burns and trauma. It helps promote the regeneration of damaged dermal layers as an alternative to using the patient's own dermis which may not be available with extensive injuries. PELNAC will be available from Smith and Nephew in Japan from January 1st, 2010, with South Africa and Australia following shortly after.

"I am delighted that we can add PELNAC to our portfolio," said Leon Hoare, President - Advanced Wound Management, Asia Pacific. "It provides a solution to the needs of many plastic and burn surgeons who deal with serious injuries and helps to support the patients with a good cosmetic outcome."

"The addition of PELNAC enhances our wound care offering for burns and trauma injuries," commented Roger Teasdale, President, Smith & Nephew Wound Management. "We are very pleased to be working with Gunze and look forward to the opportunities that lay ahead for both businesses."

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

* Trademark of Smith & Nephew

™Trademark of Gunze Limited

Notes for Editors

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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Contact Information: Inquiries Press Jon Coles Brunswick - London Tel: +44 (0) 20 7404 5959 Investors and Analysts Phil Cowdy +44 (0)20 7401 7646 Director - Investor Relations Smith & Nephew