ConvaTec Prevails in Patent Case Brought by Smith & Nephew

LONDON, UK (19 DECEMBER 2012) - ConvaTec a world-leading developer of innovative medical technologies, is pleased to announce that the Court of Appeal in the Royal Courts of Justice in the United Kingdom has upheld a previous court's decision validating ConvaTec's patent for its innovative design and manufacturing process for producing silver wound dressings.

This mirrors a similar decision in the European Patent Office last month that ConvaTec's patents for silver wound dressings around Europe are valid.

ConvaTec's AQUACEL^® Ag wound dressings include ionic silver, which kills harmful bacteria.

"We were pleased with the original court's decision to uphold our patent and are gratified with this new ruling against Smith & Nephew's appeal" said Ken Berger, CEO. "This ruling recognizes ConvaTec's scientific innovation in the wound care area and the need to protect such work".

ConvaTec's AQUACEL^® wound dressings have a gel-forming wound contact layer that promotes healing and protects against infection. The AQUACEL^® Ag wound dressing adds ionic silver for even more protection against harmful bacteria.

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 focus areas - Ostomy Care, Wound Therapeutics, Continence and Critical Care, and Infusion Devices - ConvaTec products support healthcare professionals from the hospital to the community health setting. The company has world class manufacturing on nearly every continent and a production network of 12 plants in nine countries.