EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 2005--SurModics, Inc. (Nasdaq:SRDX), a leading provider of surface modification and drug delivery technologies to the medical device industry, today announced the appointment of Aron B. Anderson, Ph.D. as Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Anderson, who has been with SurModics since 1991, was most recently director of drug delivery research and external technology. In his new role, Dr. Anderson's responsibilities will include overseeing corporate research and providing technical support to business development efforts and intellectual property activities.

"Aron's appointment to the senior management team is well deserved and fills an important, strategic leadership position in the company," said Bruce Barclay, President and Chief Operating Officer. "In his new role, Aron will lead our efforts in pursuing promising technologies and developing new partnerships. Today's announcement is in support of our strategy to accelerate technology leadership and provide new, value-added technology for the benefit of our customers."

Dr. Anderson received M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University, and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. His previous responsibilities at SurModics included directing research involving photochemical surface modification for improving the blood compatibility of medical device materials and for providing local drug delivery from device surfaces. He was instrumental in the development of SurModics' drug delivery polymer matrix technologies. Dr. Anderson has co-authored more than 20 scientific papers and articles covering topics in surface modification, blood compatibility and drug delivery coatings and is a named inventor on seven U.S. patents.

"I am honored to be given the opportunity to provide greater influence over our company's leadership position in innovation, technology and science," said Dr. Anderson. "This is an exciting time for our company and its technology portfolio. I look forward to contributing more directly to the company's strategic direction and helping to build on SurModics' tradition of scientific excellence."

About SurModics, Inc.

SurModics, Inc., a leading provider of surface modification and drug delivery solutions, licenses its proprietary technologies to medical device, diagnostics, and biotechnology companies around the world. A significant portion of SurModics' revenue is generated through royalties on the sale of coated products. SurModics' Internet address is www.surmodics.com.

CONTACT: SurModics, Inc.
Phil Ankeny, 952-829-2700

SOURCE: SurModics, Inc.