Distribution Agreement for Inion OTPS Biodegradable Implants Between Stryker Corporation and Inion

North American Distribution Agreement for Inion OTPS Biodegradable Implants Signed Between Stryker Corporation and Inion

TAMPERE, Finland, March 23(PRNewswire)

Stryker Trauma and Inion Ltd. have entered into an exclusive agreementfor Stryker's North American distribution of the OTPS Biodegradable productline. Joint product launch for the North American market took place duringthe recent American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in San Francisco, USA10-13.3.2004.

OTPS is a plate, screw and mesh system produced from proprietarybiomaterials with long, successful clinical histories. In addition toeliminating surgical removal of the components, OTPS are supplied sterile,reducing the risk of cross infection. The risk of long-term infection is alsoreduced because OTPS implants degrade completely, leaving no material in-situto become infected by blood borne bacteria. OTPS products do not interferewith any imaging techniques, including x-ray, MRI and Ultrasound. OTPS isdesigned for use in fractures of the hand, foot and supplemental to long bonefixation.

A growing market

In year 2000, the global market value of implants for in orthopaedic trauma was estimated at USD 1 400 million with annual growth of approx. 11 %.

Currently titanium implants account for 99 % of the total. However, allrecent market reports predict that the conversion from titanium tobiodegradable implants will be rapid.

Increased patient awareness of potential problems associated with metaldevices and reluctance to undergo secondary, implant removal surgery aredriving this conversion towards biodegradable materials. As demand increases,surgeons have sought a versatile and easy to use biodegradable fixationsystem. Inion OTPS is the first system to meet their requirements fully.

"We believe this collaboration will yield a comprehensive, high-qualitysolution to surgical problems", stated Vivian Masson, President of StrykerTrauma. "We're particularly pleased to make this innovative, biodegradableproduct line available for the first time to U.S. Orthopedic surgeons and itsbenefits to their patients. Inion Ltd. Is known as an internationallyrecognized leader in the development and manufacture of biomaterial-basedmedical devices incorporating the use of proprietary technologies andprocesses."

"This is the first time that a major multi-billion orthopaedic companyhas decided to actively promote biodegradable technology and give access tothe markets through its hundreds of sales people. This is a majorbreakthrough and other big companies have no choice but to join the race formarketshare introducing technologies of the new millennium" explains Dr. AuvoKaikkonen, CEO of Inion.

About Inion Ltd: Inion Ltd. was founded in Tampere, Finland in 1999 by amultidisciplinary, multinational team of international experts inbiodegradable materials and their processing together with related clinicalapplications. Today the company operates from a state-of-the-art productionand research facility in Tampere, Finland and has US corporate headquartersin Oklahoma City, OK employing 75 people. Inion Ltd. is an internationallyrecognized leader in the development and manufacture of biomaterial-basedmedical devices incorporating the use of proprietary technologies andprocesses.

About Stryker Corporation: Stryker Corporation develops, manufactures andmarkets specialty surgical and medical products for the global market. Theseproducts include orthopaedic implants, trauma and spinal systems, the bonegrowth factor osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1), powered surgical instruments,endoscopic systems and patient care and handling equipment. Company isemploying app. 14.000 people around the world. Reported net sales were $891.7million for the 1st quarter of 2003. Stryker Trauma, based in Geneva,Switzerland, is a leading manufacturer of trauma fixation systems used in thestabilization and repair of long bone fractures. Among Stryker Trauma'sinnovative product offerings are: the Hoffmann 2 External Fixation System,the Gamma Locking Nail System and the T2 IM Nail System.

Statements contained in this press release, which are not historicalfacts, are forward-looking statements, as the term is defined in the PrivateSecurities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements aresubject to risks and uncertainties which can cause actual results to differmaterially from those currently anticipated, due to a number of factors,which include, but are not limited to, product demand, pricing, marketacceptance changing economic conditions or risks in the product development.

The company does not undertake a duty to update any forward lookingstatements.

Source: Inion Ltd

Further information from: Auvo Kaikkonen CEO, Tel: +358-3-2306600 auvo.kaikkonen@inion.com Inion Ltd. Lääkärinkatu 2, FIN 33520 Tampere, Finland, Tel: +358-3-2306600 Fax: +358-3-2306601 Web site: www.inion.com Contact:auvo.kaikkonen@inion.com, CEO Inion Ltd. Inion Inc. 800 Research Parkway, Suite 380, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, Tel:+1(405)236-0017, toll-free: (866-Inion-US) Fax: +1(405)236-0634, toll-free: (866-Inion-Bio) Contact:kent.williams@inion.com, GM Inion USA

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