Smith & Nephew's Renasys EZ system infringes KCI's European patent

Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (NYSE: KCI) today announced that the German District Court in Mannheim has found that Renasys canisters and foam dressings used with Smith & Nephew plc's Renasys EZ system infringe KCI's German counterpart of European patent EP 0 853 950 patent relating to negative pressure wound therapy.

“KCI remains committed to providing outcomes-driven therapies to wound care patients and the medical community in Germany and around the world”

The Court also ordered that Smith & Nephew be enjoined from further infringement of this patent in Germany.

"KCI remains committed to providing outcomes-driven therapies to wound care patients and the medical community in Germany and around the world," said Mike Genau, president of KCI's Active Healing Solutions™ unit. "Enforcement of our intellectual property rights allows us to continue our investment in research-based solutions, such as our revolutionary V.A.C.® Therapy."

Claims asserted against Renasys GO product components were found not to be infringed. This ruling is subject to appeal, and in a separate action Smith & Nephew is asserting that this patent is invalid.

In Germany and around the globe, KCI continues to offer innovative technologies, including the ABThera™ Open Abdomen Negative Pressure System and the Prevena™ Incision Management System. Later this year KCI plans to introduce additional products, such as the V.A.C.Via™ Therapy System, a single-patient-use solution for NPWT that will bring to the marketplace an extremely light, mobile and intuitive technology.

KCI's Negative Pressure Wound Therapy solutions are offered through the company's Active Healing Solutions™ unit, which continues to expand its Negative Pressure Technology Platform in new global markets. Additionally, the company offers comprehensive professional education, training almost 50,000 clinicians on V.A.C.® Therapy usage annually, and provides 24/7 phone support line where patients can access staff clinicians.