Hyalomatrix Receives CMS Reimbursement Coverage in 11 States

BEDFORD, Mass. – April 10, 2015 – Hyalomatrix, a unique advanced wound care device based on hyaluronic acid (HA) technology, is now eligible for reimbursement as a skin substitute through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 11 states and D.C. after receiving positive local coverage determination (LCD) changes in Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington D.C.

“Receiving CMS reimbursement coverage in these states is an important milestone in the commercialization of Hyalomatrix,” said Dr. Charles H. Sherwood, President and CEO of Anika Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANIK), a leader in products for tissue protection, healing, and repair based on HA technology. “We look forward to continued progress as we expand our advanced wound care product franchise with Medline and broaden our footprint for Hyalomatrix in the United States.”

Hyalomatrix is being commercialized in the United States by Medline Industries, Inc. (Medline), the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of quality medical supplies and services across the continuum of care. The company is a leader in the advanced wound care space with more than 100 specialists and clinicians dedicated exclusively to its extensive wound and skin care portfolio.

Hyalomatrix, a hyaluronic acid-rich scaffold onto which the body’s own cells reconstruct dermal tissue, has U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) marketing clearance for the management of wounds including partial and full-thickness wounds, second-degree burns, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, diabetic ulcers, chronic vascular ulcers, tunneled/undetermined wounds, surgical wounds, trauma wounds, and draining wounds. Medline worked closely with leading reimbursement industry experts to expand Hyalomatrix’s clinical reach as Novitas Solutions, Inc., a Medicare Administrative Contractor, published its new policy change on skin substitutes and product coverage, now including Hyalomatrix.

“Those dealing with slow-healing and chronic wounds now have a more affordable option to deliver significant clinical outcomes,” said Sissi Miao, Ph.D, MBA, Vice President of Advanced Wound Care, Medline. “When medically necessary, this new access to skin substitutes like Hyalomatrix helps empower physicians and practitioners.”

Learn more about Hyalomatrix by visiting http://www.medline.com/products/wound-and-skin-care/hyalomatrix.

About Medline

As the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of quality medical supplies and clinical solutions, Medline is dedicated to helping healthcare providers reduce costs and achieve better outcomes across the continuum of care.  Named one of the country’s “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For,” the company is headquartered in Mundelein, Ill. and has more than 1,200 dedicated sales representatives to support its robust product portfolio and deliver outstanding customer service. For more information about Medline, go to www.medline.com or visit http://www.medline.com/social-media to connect with Medline on a variety of social media channels.

About Anika Therapeutics, Inc.

Headquartered in Bedford, Mass., Anika Therapeutics, Inc. develops, manufactures, and commercializes therapeutic products for tissue protection, healing, and repair. These products are based on hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring, biocompatible polymer found throughout the body. Anika's products range from orthopedic/joint health solutions led by Orthovisc^® and Monovisc^®, treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee, to surgical aids in the anti-adhesion and ophthalmic fields. The Company also offers aesthetic dermal fillers for the correction of facial wrinkles. Anika's Italian subsidiary, Anika Therapeutics S.r.l., provides complementary HA products in the orthopedic/joint health and anti-adhesion fields, as well as therapeutics in areas such as advanced wound treatment and ear, nose, and throat care. Its regenerative technology advances Anika's vision to offer therapeutic products and medical solutions that go beyond pain relief to protect and restore damaged tissue.