Derma Sciences Announces Latest Exclusive Technology Distribution Agreement

Novel Total Contact Casts offer a transformational technology for the
management of diabetic foot ulcers

PRINCETON, N.J., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Derma Sciences, Inc.
(OTC Bulletin Board: DSCI), a provider of advanced wound care products,
announced today that they have entered into an agreement with MedEfficiency,
Inc. for the exclusive distribution of the company's novel "total contact
casts". MedEfficiency's TCC-EZ(TM) cast will act as a protective barrier for
the open wounds that often develop on the undersides of diabetic patients'
feet, and help to greatly reduce the over 80,000 diabetes-related lower
extremity amputations that are performed annually in the U.S., at a cost of
over $2.5 billion for the hospital system.
Derma Sciences CEO Ed Quilty stated, "Our goal is advancing wound care by
uncovering novel technologies, empowering caregivers, and focusing on
patients' unmet needs. Helping to bring the TCC-EZ cast to market achieves
all three. If we are able to increase adoption of a technology that is
considered the gold standard for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, we feel
confident this will lead to fewer amputations. As we know, unfortunately,
there is a high mortality rate associated with diabetic ulcer-related
amputations. Being able to have such a dramatic effect on patients' lives is
very rewarding to all of us at Derma Sciences."
Several randomized controlled studies have shown that use of total contact
casts leads to significantly improved rates of healing versus all other
modalities (89.5% for total contact casts; a 30% improvement over diabetic
walking boots, the next closest method). However, until now, use of total
contact casting methods has been low, due to the amount of time required for
application and the inconsistency in technique.
The TCC-EZ solves both of these problems: the cast is a patented
fiberglass-based knit tubular sock that is rolled onto a patient's foot and
lower leg in less than 5 minutes. This is formed into a cast, which sets in
approximately 10 minutes, greatly reducing the amount of time required for
both application and curing of the cast. These new efficiencies will act as a
major incentive for clinicians to employ total contact casts, and should
substantially increase utilization rates. The TCC-EZ also provides additional
support and stability for the patient, thus reducing the likelihood of
post-treatment injuries as well.
MedEfficiency Founder and CEO, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, DPM said, "Each day,
there are more than 230 diabetes-related amputations performed in the United
States alone. Knowing that total contact casting, the current gold standard,
was underutilized, the Company started to develop new approaches and
technologies to make the procedure more efficient. This allowed it to develop
a unique market niche. We are very excited about our agreement with Derma
Sciences as they have developed a strong sales force in the wound healing
market and should provide a broader reach for our unique products."
About Derma Sciences
Derma Sciences is a global manufacturer and marketer of advanced
wound-care products. Its key product, MEDIHONEY(TM), is sold throughout the
world by Derma Sciences and Comvita New Zealand -- the licensor of the
patented honey-based technology -- and is the leading brand of honey-based
dressings for the management of wounds and burns. The product has been shown
to be effective in a variety of wounds and burns, and was recently the focus
of a large-scale randomized controlled trial on leg ulcers. Derma has two
products in development: the BIOGUARD(TM) line of barrier gauze dressings, and
DSC127, the company's novel angiotensin analog for accelerated wound healing
and scar reduction. The barrier technology was licensed from Quick-Med in Q1
of 2007 and is pending its initial FDA marketing clearance. DSC127 was
licensed from The University of Southern California in Q4 of 2007 and is
entering into a Phase II study, with anticipated initial patient enrollment to
begin in Q3 of 2008. For more information about Derma Sciences, Inc., visit
its home page on the Internet at http://www.dermasciences.com.
About MedEfficiency
MedEfficiency, Inc. is a medical products company that is focused on the
development, manufacturing, and marketing of medical devices for treating
chronic wounds and lower extremity fractures. MedEfficiency has developed
innovative new products using advanced technology that will change the way
these conditions are treated and may result in improved clinical outcomes and
more cost-effective treatments. The company has focused on the development of
new and improved medical device products funded in part by Small Business
Innovative Research Grants from the National Institute of Health and the
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Its newest product, the TCC-EZ
cast, was launched in the summer of 2007. For more information about
MedEfficiency, Inc., visit its home page on the Internet at
http://www.medefficiency.com.
Contact: Derma Sciences Inc Allen & Caron Inc
Edward J. Quilty Rudy Barrio (US Investors)
Chairman and CEO r.barrio@allencaron.com
equilty@dermasciences.com
(609) 514-4744 Brian Kennedy (media)
brian@allencaron.com
(212) 691-8087

SOURCE Derma Sciences, Inc.

Edward J. Quilty, Chairman and CEO of Derma Sciences Inc., +1-609-514-4744,
equilty@dermasciences.com; or US Investors, Rudy Barrio,
r.barrio@allencaron.com, or media, Brian Kennedy, brian@allencaron.com, both
of Allen & Caron Inc, +1-212-691-8087, for Derma Sciences, Inc.