New In Vitro Study Data Presented at 20th Conference of the European Wound Management Association

Wound Dressing Killed More Bacteria Beneath Dressing than Other Tested Silver-Containing Foam Dressings(1)

GENEVA, May 26, 2010 - ConvaTec, a world-leading developer and marketer of innovative medical
technologies for community and hospital care, today announced in vitro study
results in which a Hydrofiber(R) dressing containing ionic silver was
observed to kill more bacteria than did certain silver-containing foam
dressings. Data will be presented at the 20th Conference of the European
Wound Management Association (EWMA) showing Hydrofiber(R) dressing containing
ionic silver killed more bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus
aureus) beneath the dressing than any of the tested silver-containing foam
dressings. In addition, the Hydrofiber(R) dressing containing ionic silver
was observed to not allow the spread of bacteria beyond the edge of the
simulated wound.

Chronic wounds often contain many types of bacteria from external sources
such as the surrounding skin, gut and mouth. A wound that will not heal is an
excellent environment for bacteria to colonize. Colonizing bacteria in wounds
can often make the wounds difficult-to-treat. It is important that a wound
dressing conforms well to the wound's unique topography to ensure that an
antimicrobial agent comes into the most contact with the threatening
bacteria.

In the in vitro study, models were utilized that enabled both
visualization of the conformability of silver-containing dressings in a
simulated wound tissue model and measurement of the antimicrobial activity of
the dressings in a simulated shallow wound microbial model. The percentage of
growth for each bacterium was measured for Hydrofiber(R) dressing containing
ionic silver and three silver-containing foam dressings (Foam A-C). Mean
results of three replicated tests, measured by growth beneath the dressing,
were as follows: the Hydrofiber(R) dressing containing ionic silver had 0.4%
growth when inoculated with S. aureus and 9.0% with P. aeruginosa; Foam A had
25.7% growth when inoculated with S. aureus and 100% with P. aeruginosa; Foam
B had 16.7% growth when inoculated with S. aureus and 97.8% with P.
aeruginosa; and Foam C had 24.6% growth when inoculated with S. aureus and
95.8% with P. aeruginosa.(1)

The data will also be presented by the study authors in the ConvaTec
(#1130) booth during exhibit hours.

About Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common bacterium found on the skin
and in the noses of up to 25% of healthy people and animals. Staphylococcus
aureus is important because it has the ability to make seven different toxins
that are frequently responsible for food poisoning. (2)

About Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The versatile "blue-green pus bacteria" that opportunistically infects
people, especially those who are immunocompromised. Pseudomonas rarely causes
infection in healthy individuals but it is a major cause of hospital acquired
(nosocomial) infections. It tends to infect people with immunodeficiency or
burns and those with indwelling catheters or on respirators. Infection with
pseudomonas can lead to urinary tract infections, sepsis (blood stream
infection), pneumonia, pharyngitis, and many other medical problems.(3)

About Hydrofiber(R) Technology

Dressings with Hydrofiber(R) Technology gel on contact with fluid,
providing clinicians and patients with substantial wound care benefits. This
unique gelling action enables the dressings to lock in exudate and its
harmful components*(4,5,6).

About ConvaTec

ConvaTec is a leading developer and marketer of innovative medical
technologies that have helped improve the lives of millions of people
worldwide. With four key business divisions - Ostomy Care, Wound
Therapeutics, Continence and Critical Care and Infusion Devices - ConvaTec
products support health care professionals from the hospital to the community
health setting. From its headquarters in Skillman, New Jersey, the company
oversees more than 8,000 employees in over 90 countries serving consumers and
their health care professionals on six continents. For more information,
please visit www.convatec.com .

* As demonstrated in vitro

    Hydrofiber is a registered trademark of ConvaTec Inc.
    (C) 2010 ConvaTec Inc.                               AP-009843-MM [EM]

    Media Contacts

    Amy Firsching                             Etanjalie Ayala
    ConvaTec                                  Weber Shandwick
    +1-908-904-2088                           +1-212-445-8225
    amy.firsching@convatec.com                eayala@webershandwick.com

(1) Bowler P, et.al. The Importance of Dressing Conformability to
Antimicrobial Action of Silver-Containing Wound Dressings: In Vitro Studies.
Poster Presented at: 20th Conference of the European Wound Management
Association Meeting; 26-29 May 2010; Geneva, Switzerland.

(2) Disease listing page. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web
site. www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/staphylococcus_food_g.htm
Accessed April 12, 2010.

(3) Pseudomonas infection information page. Healthline.com Web site.
www.healthline.com/galecontent/pseudomonas-infections/2 Accessed April
12, 2010.

(4) Walker M, Hobot JA, Newman GR, Bowler PG. Scanning electron
microscopic examination of bacterial immobilisation in a
carboxymethylcellulose (Aquacel) and alginate dressings.
Biomaterials.2003;24:883-890.

(5) Waring MJ, Parsons D. Physico-chemical characterisation of
carboxymethylated spun cellulose fibres. Biomaterials.2001;22:903-912.

(6) Walker M, Bowler PG, Cochrane CA. In vitro studies to show
sequestration of matrix metalloproteinases by silver containing would care
products. Ostomy Wound Manage.2007;53(9):18-25.

Amy Firsching, ConvaTec, +1-908-904-2088, amy.firsching at convatec.com; or Etanjalie Ayala, Weber Shandwick, +1-212-445-8225, eayala at webershandwick.com