Billerica, Massachusetts USA - December 10, 2004 - AST Products and the Ophthalmic Research Organization (ORA) recently received notice that it was awarded U.S. Patent 6,808,364 and 6,828,356 for a novel ingredient inside a specialized ophthalmic solution for the treatment of dry eye syndrome. The solution, administered as a topical eye drop, provides prolonged relief from the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

As a leader in medical device coatings, AST Products has spent 15 years researching natural and synthetic polymers, various coating mechanisms, controlled drug delivery and release, advanced surface chemistries and novel biological substrate characteristics.  With all of this experience, AST moved from beyond coating devices to directly coating live tissues and organs.

Dr. Ih-Houng Loh, VP, Business Development stated, "Our focus is the palliating symptoms of anterior chamber diseases, and, more specifically, dry eye syndrome using our tissue coating technologies.  Dry eye syndrome affects most people at different times for differing reasons, whether seasonal or chronic.  The global market potential for dry eye solutions is over $600M this year alone!"

According to Dr. Mark Abelson, President of the Ophthalmic Research Association (ORA), people suffering from dry eye have either reduced tear production or excessive tear evaporation that causes discomfort and may damage the surface of the eye. Symptoms can include stinging or burning eyes, the feeling of scratchiness, irritation from smoke or wind, excess tearing and difficulty wearing contact lenses.

About AST Products, Inc.

Established in 1989 and headquartered in Billerica, Massachusetts USA, AST Products, Inc., is a leader in coatings and surface modification technology for biomedical and industrial applications. AST Products provides integrated surface solutions through coatings technology, processing equipment and services, and surface analysis instrumentation. AST licenses its coating technologies on both an exclusive and non-exclusive basis with technology transfer and contract coating options available to licensees.

About Ophthalmic Research Associates, Inc.

Headquartered in North Andover, Massachusetts, USA, Ophthalmic Research Associates, Inc. (ORA) is a privately-held company that specializes in clinical research and development in the ophthalmic pharmaceutical industry.  ORA consults with pharmaceutical, biotech, and start-up companies in the development of novel drugs and medical devices.  ORAÂ's core competency is in screening drugs and bringing them to market in a timely and cost-efficient manner.  ORA specializes in the pharmacology of drugs, the pathophysiology of disease, positioning drugs in the marketplace, and developing new methodologies for clinical research.

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Billerica, Massachusetts USA - November 3, 2004 - AST Products and Neich Medical have received regulatory approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MOHLW) for nationwide distribution of LubriLAST™-coated PTCA Dilatation Catheters designed and manufactured by China-based Neich Medical.  This increases AST ProductsÂ' growing list of Japanese MOHLW-approved coatings for ophthalmic and cardiological devices. 

LubriLAST™, a member of the BioLAST™ family of aqueous-based products, was previously FDA approved and CE-Marked on other medical devices. A lubricious coating, LubriLAST™ eliminates surface friction when exposed to water or bodily fluid.  Its superior lubricity is designed to facilitate device insertion and removal, minimize patient/tissue trauma, and improve patient comfort.  Dr. Ih-Houng Loh, AST Products' VP of Business Development stated, "This represents a growing, worldwide acceptance of surface treated medical devices and will lead to the commercialization of other coated products in neurology (microcatheters), urology (stents), and oncology (drainage tubes), all of which are currently undergoing the Japanese MOHLW regulatory pathway."

According to the American Heart AssociationÂ's web site, PTCA or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, also commonly known as coronary artery balloon dilatation or balloon angioplasty, is an established, effective therapy for some patients with coronary artery disease.  PTCA is used to dilate (widen) narrowed arteries.  Neich MedicalÂ's PTCA dilatation catheters are designed for superior pushability and trackability through tortuous vasculature.  The balloonsÂ' LubriLAST™ hydrophilic coating is designed to enhance movement of the catheter through complex lesions.

About AST Products, Inc.

Established in 1989 and headquartered in Billerica, Massachusetts USA, AST Products, Inc., is a leader in coatings and surface modification technology for biomedical and industrial applications. AST Products provides integrated surface solutions through coatings technology, processing equipment and services and surface analysis instrumentation. AST licenses its coating technologies on both an exclusive and non-exclusive basis with technology transfer and contract coating options available to licensees.  LubriLAST™ and BioLAST™ are registered trademarks of AST Products, Inc.

About Neich Medical Co., Ltd.

Established in 1999, Neich Medical Co. Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong and is privately held. It has branch offices in Japan, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, Taiwan, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The company currently manufactures and markets an array of angioplasty and angiography products throughout the Asia-Pacific region and Europe, and is expanding beyond these markets. In addition to building and marketing its own product lines, Neich has an ISO certified manufacturing operation in Shenzhen, China and provides OEM product lines to an ever-growing list of customers.

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Billerica, MA -- August 19, 2004 - AST Products, Inc. introduces the PJ, a compact, full-featured bench top plasma surface modification system.  Using Windows based PC control, the PJ is designed for both laboratory and production use.  This new system is ideal for surface treatment and cleaning/removing of organic contamination from various substrates, such as: metals, ceramics, glass, and silicon.  The entire system fits conveniently in one cabinet. 

ASTÂ's Plasma Science Group has experience in various medical applications such as improving bonding/adhesion, attaining specific surface properties (hydrophilic, hydrophobic, biocompatible, low friction) and creating barrier coatings.  We offer systems with various configurations, patented chamber design for process consistency and uniformity, as well as technical services and customizing capability.  For more information contact us at (978) 667-4500 or visit our website at www.astpadvance.com.

Billerica, MA -- June 22, 2004 - AST Products, Inc., recently received notice of a Phase I, Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant award from the NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES AND DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY DISEASES, a department of National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support its work in the development of a coating to reduce encrustation in medical devices.  The project titled "Coating Reduces Encrustation on Urethral Stent" further develops data that shows that controlling the surface pH of an indwelling device provides long-term protection against bacterial colonization and subsequent device encrustation.

Earlier development efforts at AST have shown that the coating prevents encrustation of devices incubated for up to two weeks in artificial urine.  Staining of the coating showed a strong correlation between surface pH and subsequent crust development of certain types of crystals. The SBIR project will help to define the mode of action and thereby help AST to optimize the coating for a variety of medical device applications.

Encrustation is a major complication associated with urinary stents, with an overall incidence rate of 10­58% and an even higher rate (64%) in stone formers.  Patients with severe or recurrent encrusted stents are often referred to a urologist for percutaneous nephrostolithotomy and ureteroscopy treatment to relieve the blockage.  While there is no report of the management cost of the encrusted urethral devices, inferences may be drawn from documented experience with urological catheter associated infections.  For example, in a short-term (2-10 days) urinary tract catheterization, each between 10 to 50% of the patient population will experience an episode of catheter-related bacteremia that is likely to cost at least $2836.  The unfortunate surgery and associated morbidity may be conjectured to impose at least an equally high cost burden on an institution.  Elimination of encrustation through biomaterial modification would ease these cost pressures.

About AST
AST Products, Inc. (AST), headquartered in Billerica, Massachusetts offers water-based, solvent free coatings for medical devices. Since 1989, AST has partnered with numerous companies through licensing agreements for its BioLAST medical coating technology. AST has a strong history in advanced research and development with an emphasis on providing customized, innovative coating solutions. The company also manufactures state-of-the-art plasma processing equipment for surface modification, as well as surface analysis instrumentation. AST licenses its coating technologies on both an exclusive and non-exclusive basis. For more information about AST Products please visit their website at http://www.astpadvance.com/.

LubriLAST™ is a trademark of AST Products, Inc.