KCI Obtains Temporary Injunction in the United Kingdom Against Smith & Nephew Foam Dressing Kit

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Kinetic Concepts, Inc. announced that a temporary injunction against Smith & Nephew has been granted by the Specialist Patents Court in the High Court of Justice of England and Wales. The temporary injunction prohibits Smith & Nephew from commercializing foam dressing kits for negative pressure wound therapy in the United Kingdom  until such time as the court can rule on the patent infringement action that KCI has brought against Smith & Nephew. A trial date on infringement and validity of the patent will be set for some time after March 23, 2009.

Kinetic Concepts, Inc. announced that a temporary injunction against Smith & Nephew has been granted by the Specialist Patents Court in the High Court of Justice of England and Wales. The temporary injunction prohibits Smith & Nephew from commercializing foam dressing kits for negative pressure wound therapy in the United Kingdom  until such time as the court can rule on the patent infringement action that KCI has brought against Smith & Nephew. A trial date on infringement and validity of the patent will be set for some time after March 23, 2009.

We are pleased that the British Court has enforced the Wake Forest patent and granted an injunction, said Catherine M. Burzik, KCI's President and CEO. "This case will help KCI to continue building upon years of innovation in products and therapies that improve and save patient lives.

 About KCI

Kinetic Concepts, Inc.is a leading global medical technology company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of innovative, high-technology therapies and products for the wound care, tissue regeneration and therapeutic support system markets. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, KCI's success spans more than three decades and can be traced to a history deeply rooted in innovation and a passion for significantly improving the healing – and the lives – of patients around the world.

 KCI's three primary businesses include:

Advanced Wound Care – Includes KCI's proprietary Vacuum Assisted Closure(R), or V.A.C.(R) Therapy System, which has been clinically demonstrated to promote wound healing through unique mechanisms of action while reducing the overall cost of treating patients with complex wounds.

Regenerative Medicine – Represented by KCI's LifeCell business and includes tissue-based products for use in reconstructive, orthopedic and urogynecologic surgical procedures to repair soft tissue defects.

Therapeutic Support Systems – Includes specialty hospital beds, mattress replacement systems and overlays designed to address pulmonary complications associated with immobility, to reduce skin breakdown and assist caregivers in the safe and dignified handling of patients of size.

The company employs 7,000 people and markets its products in more than 20 countries. For more information about KCI, and how its products are changing the practice of medicine, visit http://www.KCI1.com

CONTACT:

Kinetic Concepts, Inc., San Antonio
Media Relations:
Kristie Madara, 210-255-6232
kristie.madara@kci1.com

or

Investor Relations:
Rich Cockrell, 210-255-6331
rich.cockrell@kci1.com

Source:
Kinetic Concepts, Inc.