Smith & Nephew
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
UK-based device manufacturer acquires Collagenase enzyme debrider product from BASF Pharma, the pharmaceutical arm of the German chemical maker BASF AG, for roughly $118 mil. ([L]74 mil.) in cash. The product, which cleanses and removes dead tissue from chronic wounds and burns, is sold under the brand name Santyl in North America and Iruxol and Novuxol outside North America. CEO Christopher Donnell reports Feb. 3 that the company plans to introduce the Dermagraft human dermal skin replacement for the treatment of hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers in the U.S. during the second half of 2000. Smith & Nephew also plans to launch a light-sensitive "ouchless" adhesive dressing in 2001 that would remove itself upon exposure to light, the exec notes