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. PARTICIPATES IN $4.7 MILLION EQUITY ROUND FOR SPINE NEXT, S.A.

NEW YORK – May 4, 2004 – Viscogliosi Bros., LLC (VB) announced that it participated in an approximately $4.7 million, fifth round of financing for Spine Next, S.A., based in Bordeaux, France, and with facilities in Jacksonville, FL. Other venture investors participating in this round 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 financing of Spine Next is to support the commercialization of the Wallis™ non-fusion 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 is a market leader in posterior accessed, minimally invasive, non-fusion spinal technologies and we expect for this technology to make a considerable market presence world-wide."

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. The 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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