J&J/Integra LifeSciences

Strategic alliance announced June 15 gives Johnson & Johnson Medical exclusive worldwide marketing and distribution rights (excepting Japan) for Integra artificial skin, which cleared FDA for the treatment of life-threatening burns in March 1996. Under terms of the alliance, J&J will make a one-time payment to Integra of $6.5 mil. and certain contingent payments in the future. J&J also will collaborate with the Plainsboro, New Jersey firm in future R&D and clinical research on the product. The alliance builds upon past deals between the firms including a 1993 licensing and distribution agreement for Integra's BioPatch percutaneous infection control device and a February 1998 alliance to assist Integra with development of a RGD-peptide technology-based regenerative cartilage implant ("The Gray Sheet" March 2, 1998, p. 20)