LifeCell, Novadaq Technologies sign exclusive sales, marketing agreement

LifeCell™ Corporation, a business unit of Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (NYSE: KCI), and Novadaq^® Technologies Inc. (TSX: NDQ) announced today the signing of an exclusive sales and marketing agreement for distribution of Novadaq's SPY^® Imaging System in North American surgical markets. LifeCell will drive adoption for the SPY System in breast reconstructive, head and neck, and colorectal surgical specialties, with more than half a million procedures projected annually.

“The company's reputation for innovation and excellence coupled with its significant presence in the operating room in plastic reconstructive and abdominal surgery makes them the perfect partner to market and sell Novadaq's technology to these important markets.”

LifeCell will provide market development and commercialization activities, including professional education, clinical support, reimbursement and sales distribution. Novadaq will continue to be responsible for manufacturing, field service and research and development.

The SPY System aids surgeons in assessing poor or inadequate tissue perfusion at the surgical site, which is critical to the success of tissue revascularization and survival. The technology can be used to assess the quality of perfusion in both autologous and biologic tissue reconstructive procedures.

"SPY furthers our vision of helping doctors and patients harness the body's own regenerative power," said Lisa Colleran, president, LifeCell, a business unit of KCI. "It's a brilliant fit, bringing together partners committed to healing through best-in-class technologies."

Intra-operative fluorescence imaging complements the LifeCell product portfolio, as adequate tissue perfusion is required for tissue regeneration. Physicians currently using AlloDerm™ Regenerative Tissue Matrices and Strattice™ Reconstructive Tissue Matrices also perform autologous procedures that may benefit from the use of SPY Technology.

"For decades, surgeons have sought a real-time and accurate means of assessing tissue perfusion in the OR," said Glyn E. Jones, M.D., professor of surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine. "Clinical judgment may be unreliable, and the consequences of poor tissue perfusion in breast reconstruction can be devastating. After using SPY in my practice for two years, I am convinced of its accuracy in determining tissue perfusion and reducing post-reconstruction complications."

For Novadaq, the relationship provides access to physicians through LifeCell's sales force, which has existing relationships with the defined surgical specialties.

"LifeCell has a record of advancing new technologies to commercial success and market leadership," said Dr. Arun Menawat, Novadaq's chief executive officer and president. "The company's reputation for innovation and excellence coupled with its significant presence in the operating room in plastic reconstructive and abdominal surgery makes them the perfect partner to market and sell Novadaq's technology to these important markets."