PRESS RELEASES

Contacts: Anthony G. Viscogliosi, Viscogliosi Bros, LLC (212) 583-9700 ext. 100
Nick Kilsby, Creative Partners (203) 705-9202

VISCOGLIOSI BROS., LLC MAKES EQUITY INVESTMENT IN BIORTHEX, INC.


New York, NY: February 21, 2005 - Viscogliosi Bros., LLC (“VB”) is pleased to announce a substantial equity investment in Biorthex, Inc (“Biorthex”). Biorthex, based in Montreal, Canada, is an orthopedic focused, biomaterial platform provider that designs, develops, manufactures and markets an innovative technology, Actipore™.

Actipore™, an innovative porous nitinol with excellent biological and biomechanical properties, is utilized as both an implant coating and as a total implant material. Actipore’s lattice-like structure permits bone cell penetration, long-term bone cell survival, and overall bone-metal integration. A low modulus of elasticity, closely resembling that of cancellous bone, and unique super-elasticity characteristics, as well as MRI and CT scan compatibility, make the ActiporeTM a much-needed addition to the armatarium of orthopedic surgeons.

Through Actipore™, Biorthex owns a unique, ultra porous biologically and biomechanically compatible material, with a structure consisting of interconnected passageways, that permits long term bone cell integration and survival throughout the devices. This exclusive technology platform has similar mechanical properties to bone, resulting in load sharing, rapid tissue ingrowth that eliminates the requirement for additional bone graft material, thus reducing the time of surgery, the risk of complications and preventing graft site morbidity.

To date there have been more than 1,000 implantations world-wide utilizing Actipore™, three clinical studies (plus one ongoing study) have been initiated, and more than 25 pre-clinical studies have been performed. The first product that utilized the technology, the Actipore™ PLF System, first implanted in December 2001, was a proprietary, technologically advanced interbody fusion device indicated for lumbar fusion procedures. Biorthex recently launched a second Actipore™ product for cervical fusions, the ActiporeTM ACF System.

The new funds will be used primarily to commercialize these products and further develop Actipore in surface coating applications. In the latter form, it is believed that Actipore will become a platform technology available for a wider range of orthopaedic devices and implants.

Anthony G. Viscogliosi, Principal of VB, said: "We at VB have always focused on investing in life-changing orthopedics technologies. Biorthex’s Actipore™ technology certainly meets these criteria and we look forward to working with the Company to develop its commercial strategy and expand Actipore™ to other fields of orthopedics.”

About Biorthex, Inc.
Biorthex Inc. is a biotechnology company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets innovative and proprietary surgical products for the treatment of spinal disorders. The Company is dedicated to providing the surgical community with safe, technologically proven and innovative spinal implants for use in the treatment of spinal disorders, diseases and injuries.

For more, please visit: www.biorthex.com
Contact: Benoit Sicotte
President and COO
Biorthex, Inc.
(514) 382-4800

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.
 
> Back to Press Releases