PRESS RELEASES

Contacts: Marc Viscogliosi, Viscogliosi Bros, LLC (212) 583-9700 ext. 103
Nick Kilsby, EKK PR (203) 406-8800 ext. 21

VISCOGLIOSI BROS., LLC. LEADS $2 MILLION EQUITY ROUND FOR SPINE NEXT, S.A.

NEW YORK--March 10, 2004--Viscogliosi Bros., LLC (VB) announced that it led the approximately $2 million, fourth round equity financing for Spine Next, S.A., based in Bordeaux, France, and with facilities in Jacksonville, FL. Other venture investors in Spine Next include: 3i Gestion, La Compagnie Financiere Edmond de Rothschild; Sud-Ouest Capital Risque Innovation S.A.; Expanso Capital; and Auriga Partners.

Spine Next, S.A. is an innovator in the design and production of the Wallis™ system, a motion preservation non-fusion technology. The Wallis™ device is used as a posterior column dynamic stabilizer that re-establishes the stability and bio-mechanics of the spine when a surgeon performs a discectomy. In addition to the Wallis, Spine Next has a complete line of next generation fusion devices.

The new funding is designed to support the process of commercializing the Wallis™
system. The Wallis™ has been used by an estimated 100 surgeons to treat more than 2,000 patients worldwide.

Anthony G. Viscogliosi, of VB, who has taken a seat on the Board of Directors of Spine Next, S.A., said: "The Wallis™ system meets our criteria for investing in truly life-changing spinal, non-fusion technologies. The technology took almost 20 years to perfect and we feel confident that now is the right time to provide support for Spine Next in the US market."

About Viscogliosi Bros., LLC
Established by Marc R. Viscogliosi, John J. Viscogliosi and Anthony G. Viscogliosi in New York City, in 1999, VB was the first venture capital/private equity and merchant banking firm dedicated to the musculoskeletal/orthopedics sector of the health care industry. Today, VB is a leading independent firm, with a mission to create, build and finance companies founded on innovations developed by surgeons and uniquely focused on "life changing" musculoskeletal/orthopedic technologies. VB has worldwide surgeon, industry and trade relationships and significant financial expertise in the musculoskeletal/orthopedic sector.

As principals of VB, the Viscogliosi brothers have a combined total of more than 35 years experience analyzing and investing in the musculoskeletal/orthopedics sector. They have pioneered innovative financial, strategic and management initiatives for companies in the sector, from start-up, seed and development stage all the way to exit, while helping thousands of people lead better lives through the orthopedic and spinal products marketed and sold by the companies they have assisted in developing and financing.
 
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