Press Release

Berkeley CA, US, 16 Mar 2011 16:15 CET

Dyneema Purity^® fibers being used in FDA approved OTSC^® System to aid placement of Nitinol clips in GI-tract.

DSM Biomedical, a global leader in biomedical materials science, today announced a step forward in its partnership with Ovesco Endoscopy AG. Ovesco has chosen to exclusively use Dyneema Purity fiber for the OTSC System due to the material’s unique mechanical performance and proven biocompatibility, specifically the combination of high strength, low elongation and high pliability. With this partnership, DSM and Ovesco are creating more efficient treatment options for gastrointestinal hemorrhage and endoscopic digestive organ wall closure.

The Over-The-Scope-Clipping system for flexible endoscopy, which has received FDA clearance for use in the United States, is a superelastic Nitinol device used for compression and approximation of tissues in the human digestive tract. The OTSC clip is delivered by means of an applicator cap mounted to the tip of gastroscopes or colonoscopes. Due to its smart material properties, OTSC delivers constant force at the implantation site enhancing the therapeutic effects of the clip. The strength and pliability of Dyneema Purity fiber provides the high tension forces required to apply the super elastic Nitinol clips.

“Ovesco’s OTSC System is a bold breakthrough in medical technology advancement and we have enjoyed partnering with a truly innovative company in the endoscopy market,” said Rob Evans, Global Business Director, Biomaterials, DSM Biomedical. “As diversification continues to be a key driver of our business, the success of this device further demonstrates the broad capabilities of Dyneema Purity  fiber in medical implant applications.”

“With the announcement of our FDA approval for the OTSC System in December 2010, we can continue fulfilling our primary mission of providing advanced treatments for complex conditions in the digestive tract and gastrointestinal organs,” said Gunnar Anhöck from Ovesco Endoscopy AG, “We are confident that using Dyneema Purity fiber for its unique mechanical performance, specifically the high strength, low elongation and high pliability within our OTSC technology, will enhance clip alignment and improve patient results.”

This announcement precedes the start of MEDTEC Europe where DSM will have two representatives participating in the conference’s Materials Session 101 on March 22: “Selecting and Using Materials for Innovative Medical Devices.” Cláudia Vaz, Business Development Manager at DSM, will chair the day’s session and colleague, Onko Jan Gelling, DSM RT&D Manager, Biomaterials, will present on new hydrophilic, non-fouling, and antimicrobial coatings for medical devices. Conference attendees are encouraged to visit the DSM booth, 6661, to learn more about the latest innovations in materials based solutions for the medical device and biopharmaceutical industries.

About Ovesco Endoscopy AG

Ovesco Endosocpy AG, Inc. is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of high-performance endoscopic clipping systems and other minimally invasive instrumentation. The Company's initial product offering is the OTSC system, an advanced super-elastic endoscopic clip used by gastroenterologists and surgeons for demanding interventional procedures in the digestive tract, including applications in hemostasis, organ wall closure, closure of lesions and a variety of other indications. The medical device innovations and products of Ovesco Endoscopy AG are used by doctors in more than 25 countries worldwide.