Angiotech Pharmaceuticals launches the Tan EndoGlide Endothelium Insertion System in the U.S.

Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ANPI; TSX: ANP), today announced the commercial launch of the Tan EndoGlide(TM) Endothelium Insertion System in the United States. Angiotech holds exclusive U.S. distribution rights to market and distribute the Tan EndoGlide Endothelium Insertion System, which it obtained in a supply agreement with privately held Network Medical Products, Ltd. Angiotech will launch the product during the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting, to be held in San Francisco, CA on October 24-27, 2009.

"As less invasive cornea transplant techniques continue to evolve, new devices are needed to safely deliver donor tissue. The Tan EndoGlide is one of the first new devices on the market designed to help surgeons handle and insert endothelial cell tissue with minimal cell loss," said Steve Bryant, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Angiotech. "We are excited to announce that the Tan EndoGlide Endothelium Insertion System is now available throughout the U.S. through our Ophthalmic Distributor Specialties Sales Team."

The Tan EndoGlide is a device used to facilitate insertion of a donor endothelium during Endothelial Keratoplasty. The device is used by Ophthalmologists adapting to newer techniques to replace diseased corneal endothelium. The Tan EndoGlide is specifically designed for use in Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) and Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) surgical procedures.