Kuros and Synthes, Inc. Announce License and Development Agreement

ZÜRICH, Switzerland and WEST CHESTER, Pennsylvania, March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

First Partnering Deal Based on Kuros' Synthetic Matrix Technologies

Kuros Biosurgery AG, a biotechnology company focused on the development of novel biomaterials and bioactive-biomaterial combination products for trauma, wound and spinal indications has signed a license and development agreement with Synthes, Inc. a leading global medical device company.

Under the terms of the agreement Synthes and Kuros will work together to commercialize Kuros' synthetic matrix technology in certain fields.

Commenting on today's announcement, Mr. Didier Cowling, CEO of Kuros, said: "We are delighted to have signed this deal related to our synthetic matrix technologies with Synthes.  Partnering our products with leading marketing partners is a key element of Kuros' strategy and we are looking forward to a productive working relationship with Synthes."

Michel Orsinger, President and CEO of Synthes, commented on the partnership: "The Kuros partnership is an important addition to Synthes goal of being a total solutions provider for our customers. The partnership will strengthen both Kuros and Synthes commitment to develop patient focused clinical solutions."

Kuros has a broad platform of technologies related to biomaterials and the combination of biomaterials with bioactive molecules.  This platform has the potential to be used across many fields and includes synthetic matrices either alone or in combination with bioactives.

About Kuros (http://www.kuros.ch)

Kuros is a biotechnology company that is focused on the development of novel biomaterials and bioactive-biomaterial combination products for trauma, wound and spinal indications.

Kuros has two biomaterial technology platforms, one based on fibrin sealants and the other based on its own proprietary synthetic technology that can mimic fibrin in many of its attributes.  These materials can be used alone or in combination with biologically active molecules.

The synthetic technology is tailorable and allows generation of products that are delivered as liquids or gels but polymerise, in or on living tissues, to form materials with different physical properties. Kuros' has a diverse pipeline of product candidates with its most advanced product candidates being in trauma and wound care.

Since its creation, Kuros has raised over $200 million. The company is located in Zurich, Switzerland.

Synthes: A leading medical device company

Synthes is a leading global medical device company. We develop, produce and market instruments, implants and biomaterials for the surgical fixation, correction and regeneration of the human skeleton and its soft tissues.

Restrictions Subject to U.S. Securities Law

Synthes, Inc. management believes certain statements in this media release may constitute "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the "Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995". These statements include but are not limited to those with respect to the potential for Synthes to offer new products and market existing ones, as well as the expected sales and sales growth of Synthes. These statements are made on the basis of management's views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from the ability of Synthes to successfully develop and introduce new products and services and market existing products and services in a competitive marketplace and changes in the economic conditions that may affect the performance of the operations of Synthes. In addition, changes in competitive conditions and regulatory developments may affect future business performance, and changing market conditions may affect the valuation of Synthes securities. In addition, it should be noted that past financial and operational performance of the company is not necessarily indicative of future financial and operational performance. Synthes undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The securities of Synthes have been offered and sold outside the United States and have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act"). Such securities may not be offered, sold or transferred in the U.S. or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the regulations of the Securities Act), except pursuant to a registration statement filed under the Securities Act or under an applicable exemption under the Securities Act. Hedging transactions involving such securities may not be conducted unless in compliance with the Securities Act. The Synthes securities are deemed "Restricted Securities" as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

For further information please contact

Kuros:
Didier Cowling, CEO    
Alistair Irvine, Director of Business Development
+41(0)44-200-56-47

For International Media Enquires:
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
David Dible, Nina Enegren
+44(0)207-638-9571

For Swiss Media Enquires:
Sensus Investor and Public Relations
Jan Gregor
+41(0)43-366-55-14

Synthes, Inc.:
Gilgian Eisner, Investor Relations
Phone +41-32-720-4745, Fax +41-32-720-4811
Email: [email protected]
http://www.synthes.com

SOURCE Kuros