Transplant tissue recall hits CryoLife

CONTAMINATION fears have led to biomedical firm CryoLife being ordered to recall human tissue used for transplants in the US. The ruling by the US Food and Drug Administration comes after one of the company's tissues was linked with a knee-surgery death last year.

CryoLife shares tumbled $4 (260p) to $5.50 (357p) before being suspended. 'We are appealing the decision,' said David Fronk, vice president of clinical research.

He said the group's European headquarters in Fareham, Hampshire, will not be affected as it specialises in medical devices and adhesives.

The FDA's ruling relates to human tissue processed after October 2001 for use in orthopaedic and vascular surgery. CryoLife's market share in Britain is 'less than 1%'. People who have had transplants should not panic. 'If an infection was to occur, the signs would appear within days or weeks,' said Fronk.