New Survey Finds Strong Consumer Preference for More Natural Hernia Repair Options

MALVERN, Pa., June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TELA Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: TELA), a commercial-stage medical technology company focused on providing innovative soft-tissue reconstruction solutions that optimize clinical outcomes by prioritizing the preservation and restoration of the patient's own anatomy, today announced results from a consumer survey on consumer awareness, preferences, and doctor expectations regarding hernia repair options.

The survey, which was conducted in May 2023, included 1,152 consumers and found a significant preference for more natural hernia repair options, particularly among those who have previously had a repair using permanent synthetic mesh. The majority of respondents also expressed a reliance on primary care physicians and healthcare professionals for guidance, emphasizing the importance of shared decision-making.

Highlights from the survey include:

Consumers Are Concerned About Permanent Synthetic Mesh

• 77.1% of consumers who had a permanent plastic mesh repair would prefer a more natural repair option for subsequent hernias requiring surgery.
• 57% of consumers without a hernia expressed a preference for a more natural repair option due to concerns about permanent plastic materials in their bodies.

There Is a High Desire for Shared Decision-Making

• 86.6% of all respondents believe in shared decision-making with their doctor, and 69.8% trust that their medical provider will educate them on all available options.
• 79.2% of consumers stated they would seek alternative options if their doctor or hospital did not offer a natural repair option.

Consumers Expect Most Advanced and Innovative Solutions

• 94.7% of all respondents considered it important or very important for their doctor or surgeon to be current with the top innovations in medical care.
• 72.0% of respondents who have had a hernia repair expected their surgeon to use the most innovative and advanced materials.
• 82% of consumers who have not had a hernia expected their surgeon to be aware of and use the most advanced hernia repair materials available.
  

“The results of this survey support TELA Bio’s mission and the core design principles of OviTex^® Reinforced Tissue Matrix,” said Paul Talmo, Chief Strategic Officer at TELA Bio. “In observance of Hernia Awareness Month, these survey findings demonstrate consumer desire for more natural repair options as well as the opportunity to have a stronger voice in their healthcare decisions. While permanent synthetic mesh is still used for most hernia repairs, many surgeons are also looking for advancements that provide durability while reducing the amount of permanent foreign bodies.”

About TELA Bio, Inc.
TELA Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: TELA) is a commercial-stage medical technology company focused on providing innovative technologies that optimize clinical outcomes by prioritizing the preservation and restoration of the patient's own anatomy. The Company is committed to providing surgeons with advanced, economically effective soft-tissue reconstruction solutions that leverage the patient's natural healing response while minimizing long-term exposure to permanent synthetic materials. For more information, visit www.telabio.com.

About OviTex 
OviTex Reinforced Tissue Matrix is intended for use as a surgical mesh to reinforce and/or repair soft tissue where weakness exists. Indications for use include the repair of hernias and/or abdominal wall defects that require the use of reinforcing or bridging material to obtain the desired surgical outcome. Do not use OviTex in patients known to be sensitive to materials of ovine (sheep) origin. For prescription use only. For additional important safety information, please see the OviTex Reinforced Tissue Matrix Instructions for Use.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations are forward-looking statements and reflect the current beliefs of TELA Bio's management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and events to differ materially and adversely from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this announcement speak only as of the date of this press release, and TELA Bio assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this press release, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Contact
Greg Chodaczek
347-620-7010
ir@telabio.com    

Media Contact
Alyson Kuritz
908-892-7149
alyson@0to5.com