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FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424(b)(3)
REGISTRATION NO. 333-77367
PROSPECTUS
750,000 SHARES
BIOMATRIX, INC.
COMMON STOCK
- Warburg Dillon Read, LLC may sell these shares for its own account.
- Biomatrix will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of
common stock by Warburg Dillon Read.
- Biomatrix common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol "BXM".
- On November 29, 1999, the closing price of one share of Biomatrix
common stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $23.75.
- Warburg Dillon Read may sell these shares in public or private
transactions, on or off the New York Stock Exchange, at prevailing
market prices or at privately negotiated prices.
- Warburg Dillon Read may sell shares directly to purchasers or
through brokers or dealers.
INVESTING IN THE COMMON STOCK INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 2.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES
OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this prospectus is November 30, 1999.
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RISK FACTORS
INVESTING IN BIOMATRIX SECURITIES INVOLVES RISKS. YOU SHOULD NOT
PURCHASE BIOMATRIX SECURITIES UNLESS YOU CAN BEAR A LOSS OF YOUR INVESTMENT. YOU
SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING FACTORS, IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER
INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
THE EFFECT OF GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF OUR PRODUCTS AND FACILITIES COULD CAUSE
SIGNIFICANT DELAYS AND INCREASED COSTS
The FDA and foreign regulatory agencies regulate the commercial
distribution of our medical products. The regulatory process can delay marketing
new products for long periods and can add substantial costs. In addition,
changes in governmental rules and regulations could affect us in ways we cannot
predict. Changes in regulation could affect products already approved for
marketing, products that have not yet been approved, or the approval process
itself. Regulatory delays and costs could significantly lower our profitability.
The approval process is costly, complex, and time-consuming, and it is
possible that these approvals could be delayed or never granted. The FDA
classifies medical products as either medical devices or drugs/biologicals.
Currently, the FDA and most foreign regulatory agencies consider most of our
medical products to be medical devices. Some of our products are currently being
reviewed for approval by various regulatory agencies.
The FDA and foreign regulatory agencies also inspect our manufacturing
facilities both before and after giving their approval to market a product.
Additionally, if a material change is made to the manufacturing process,
equipment, or location after receiving approval for marketing from regulatory
agencies, additional regulatory review may be necessary. The expenses and delays
that can surround the regulatory review process for manufacturing facilities
could significantly lower our profitability.
CHANGES IN REIMBURSEMENT POLICIES COULD SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE OUR ABILITY TO SELL
OUR PRODUCTS
The availability of reimbursement by Medicare, Medicaid, private health
insurers, and other organizations may affect sales of our products. Limitations
on reimbursement may negatively impact sales of our medical products. In the
United States, the Health Care Finance Administration, also known as HCFA, and
many private health insurance organizations currently provide reimbursement for
Synvisc. Synvisc is currently reimbursed by all of the Medicare regional
insurance carriers. Synvisc is also on the list of government-reimbursable
products in Sweden and the United Kingdom. Currently, Synvisc has not been
approved for reimbursement by the Canadian provincial governments; several
Canadian private insurance companies do, however, provide reimbursement for
Synvisc. In addition, we are currently discussing reimbursement for Synvisc with
European government agencies. We do not expect insurance companies to pay for
Hylaform, another of our products. Changes in reimbursement policies could
significantly reduce our ability to sell our products.
IF WE CANNOT MAINTAIN OR REPLACE OUR MARKETING PARTNERS, THERE MAY BE SHORT-TERM
DISRUPTIONS IN SALES ASSOCIATED WITH RESTRUCTURING OUR DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS
We have entered into several distribution agreements for marketing and
distributing some of our products, including Synvisc and Hylaform. As a result,
we are dependent on our marketing partners for sales of our product in countries
in which we have marketing and distribution agreements. It is possible that we
will not be able to maintain or replace these marketing partners. If this
happens, there may be short-term disruptions in sales associated with
restructuring our distribution arrangements.
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO PROTECT OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS, WE
COULD LOSE OUR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANTAGE
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In order to protect our core hylan technology, we have obtained patents
on our technologies and on our products in key countries. We currently have 22
issued or allowed patents and 1 patent pending in the United States, and 88
issued or allowed patents and over 68 patents pending in foreign countries. We
cannot be sure that any patents pending or patent applications we may file in
the future will result in issued patents. Any patents we have now, or that may
be issued in the future, trade secrets or know-how may not be enough to protect
our business against competitors with similar technologies or processes. Others
might still infringe upon or design around our issued patents. In addition,
others might develop proprietary technologies or processes on their own which
are the same as or substantially equivalent to ours. It could be very expensive
if we have to defend against patent infringement suits brought against us or if
we choose to sue others to protect our patents against infringement.
In addition to patent protection, we rely on trade secrets, proprietary
know-how and continuing technological developments. We generally try to protect
this information by entering into confidentiality agreements with our business
partners, employees and consultants. Certain people might break the promises
they make in these agreements. If they do, we may not be able to remedy the
damage they cause to our business. Even if everyone honors these agreements, our
competitors might still discover our trade secrets on their own.
OUR MARKET SHARE COULD DECREASE IF OTHER PRODUCTS BECOME MORE ACCEPTED BY
DOCTORS AND HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES
Our industry is driven by technological innovation. Although we believe
our patents on hylans make it more difficult for others to develop and sell
products made from similar substances, a number of our potential competitors are
trying to develop substances that could perform as well or better than ours.
Other substances or technologies may be, now or in the future, the basis of
competitive products that could render our technology obsolete or
non-competitive. If this happens, our sales could be reduced significantly.
We believe that our superior technology and our longstanding
know-how and experience give us our primary advantages over our competitors.
Competition for our product, Synvisc, consists primarily of products based on
earlier technology. These products include, in the United States, the
FDA-approved Hyalgan-Registered Trademark-, produced by Fidia S.p.A. and
marketed in the United States by OrthoLogic Corp. Another product based on
earlier technology is Orthovisc-Registered Trademark-, which failed in 1998
to receive approval from the FDA for marketing in the United States but is
marketed in Canada and in certain other countries. Orthovisc is produced by
Anika Therapeutics, Inc. and marketed by Zimmer, Inc. In Europe, the primary
competitive products are Hyalgan and Artz-Registered Trademark-, a Japanese
product. To the best of our knowledge, there are no other
viscosupplementation products on the market, or in development, which, like
Synvisc, have the physical properties of viscosity, elasticity or molecular
weight that are comparable to the physical properties of healthy, young
synovial fluid.
Our ability to compete depends primarily upon product acceptance by
doctors and other customers and whether or not health insurance will pay for
treatment with our products, as opposed to those of our competitors. If other
products become more accepted by doctors, other customers and health insurance
companies, our sales could be significantly reduced.
CHANGES IN OUR MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES COULD SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE OUR ABILITY
TO DELIVER OUR PRODUCTS
Biomatrix faces manufacturing risks. Our manufacturing process is
highly complex and is regulated by the government. It is possible that we will
have problems maintaining or expanding our facilities in the future. These
problems could cause delays in production or delivery delays. Any significant
disruption in our manufacturing operations could significantly hurt our
business, results of operations, and financial condition.
OUR RECENT EXPANSION MIGHT NOT BRING THE INCREASED PROFITABILITY WE EXPECT
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In 1998 alone we more than doubled the number of employees. Also, we
now operate and have employees in twelve countries. This expansion requires that
we spend a significant amount of money to support what we hope will be increased
demand for our products. This strategy involves risks, which include supporting
higher levels of operating expenses, attracting and retaining employees, and
dealing with other management difficulties that arise from rapid growth. Any
failure to manage growth effectively could significantly reduce our efficiency
and profitability.
A LOSS OF KEY PERSONNEL COULD IMPEDE OUR ABILITY TO EFFICIENTLY IMPLEMENT OUR
BUSINESS PLANS
Our future success is highly dependent on the members of our management
and scientific staff because of the highly specialized and technical nature of
our business. The experience of our key employees with our products and
processes makes them difficult to replace, and the loss of one or more of our
key employees could impede our ability to efficiently implement our business
plans. We do not maintain any key person life insurance policies with respect to
any of our employees. We have entered into employment agreements with Dr. Endre
A. Balazs, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer and Rory B.
Riggs, our President. These agreements restrict Dr. Balazs and Mr. Riggs from
engaging in certain activities that are competitive with Biomatrix. We have
entered into similar agreements with most but not all of our employees.
PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIMS COULD SIGNIFICANTLY HARM OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
OUR REPUTATION
Producing and selling health-care products can lead to allegations of
product liability, and it is possible that product liability claims could be
brought against us. Although we carry product liability insurance in an amount
that we consider sufficient, we cannot be sure that the amount of coverage that
we currently hold, or will hold in the future, will be adequate. If our
insurance coverage is not sufficient, we may not be able to satisfy liability
claims out of our other assets. If we attempt to obtain additional insurance in
the future, we may not be able to do so on acceptable terms or at an acceptable
cost, and any additional insurance we do obtain may not provide adequate
coverage against asserted claims. Additionally, allegations of product
liability, whether or not proven, could interfere with our ability to sell our
products and thereby reduce our revenues.
OUR STOCK PRICE HAS BEEN VOLATILE IN THE PAST AND ITS PRICE MAY DROP
PRECIPITOUSLY IN THE FUTURE
The market price of our common stock, like that of the securities of
many other biomedical and medical device companies, has fluctuated over a wide
range, and the market price of the shares of our common stock or other
securities could be highly volatile in the future. The price of our common stock
as reported by the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Market has
ranged from a high of $45 to a low of $18.125 in the 52 weeks ended November 22,
1999. Factors including, but not limited to, fluctuation in our operating
results or our failure to meet the expectations of the investment community, our
ability to manufacture our products, demand for our products, announcements of
technological innovations or new commercial products by us or our competitors,
governmental regulation, changes in insurance reimbursement policies,
developments or disputes concerning patent or other proprietary rights, public
concern as to the safety of devices or other products developed by us or our
competitors, and general market conditions may from time to time have a
significant effect on the market price of our common stock or other securities.
FLUCTUATING OPERATING RESULTS COULD CAUSE DECREASED REVENUES
We have planned our operating expenses on the assumption that revenues
from sales will continue to grow. If these revenues do not grow as we have
projected, our operating results for a particular period may be lower than
expected. A revenue shortfall could result from a number of factors, including
but not limited to those described in this registration statement, lower than
expected demand for our products; fewer purchases of our products by our
distribution partners; inability to collect from those who owe us money, goods,
or services; manufacturing interruptions; and overall economic conditions.
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YEAR 2000-RELATED SYSTEMS FAILURES COULD SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE OUR ABILITY TO
OPERATE
Many currently installed computer systems, software products and
equipment with embedded chips or processors are programmed to accept only two
digit entries in the date code field. These date code fields will need to accept
four digit entries to distinguish 21st century dates from 20th century dates.
Our software and computer systems have been upgraded or replaced in order to
comply with "Year 2000" requirements. We have implemented a Year 2000 compliance
program to identify and minimize exposure to Year 2000 problems, which included
an assessment of our internal readiness as well as the readiness of third
parties that are critical to our business. We may incur additional costs in
identifying, resolving and mitigating Year 2000 compliance issues. In addition,
we cannot guarantee that our Year 2000 issues will be fully identified and
resolved by the end of 1999. The failure to identify and resolve these issues
could result in interruptions in, or failures of, certain normal business
activities or operations that may have an adverse effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition. The failure of third parties that
are significant to our business to be Year 2000-compliant could also
significantly reduce our ability to operate.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, including but not limited to statements regarding
governmental regulation, reimbursement, dependence on distribution
relationships, patents, competition, manufacturing, rapid growth, dependence
upon key personnel, fluctuation in operating results, product liability, stock
price volatility, and Year 2000 matters. Forward-looking statements necessarily
involve risks and uncertainties, and Biomatrix's actual results could differ
materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, including
those set forth herein under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus.
The factors set forth under "Risk Factors" and other cautionary statements made
in this prospectus should be read and understood as being applicable to all
related forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this prospectus.
BIOMATRIX
Together with our subsidiaries Biomatrix Medical Canada Inc., Biomatrix
Svenska AB, Biomatrix U.K. Limited, Biomatrix Hong Kong Limited, Biomatrix
France SARL, Biomatrix Switzerland GmbH, and Biomatrix Germany GmbH, we develop,
manufacture, market and sell a series of proprietary products for use in
therapeutic medical applications and skin care. Our products are made of hylans,
chemically modified forms of the naturally occurring hyaluronan, also known as
hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate. Hyaluronan is a polysaccharide molecule
which has unique elastic and viscous properties which provide lubrication and
shock absorption to cells and tissues of the human body. Since our products are
based on hyaluronan, and its unique viscous and elastic properties, we refer to
them as viscoelastic products or viscoelastics. Viscoelastic products are made
of hyaluronan or hylans and are characterized by their unique physical
properties such as elasticity and viscosity which manifest themselves in a
diluted solution. We also refer to fluids or solutions with these properties as
elastoviscous. Hylans are the second generation of viscoelastics used in
medicine, and are characterized by significantly enhanced physical, or
rheological, properties including elasticity, viscosity and pseudoplasticity, as
compared to naturally occurring hyaluronan, from which the first generation
viscoelastics are made. The discovery of hylans has allowed us to develop a
range of patented products with superior viscoelastic properties in the forms of
fluids, gels and solids.
Our business is to develop, manufacture, market and sell viscoelastics
used as medical therapeutic devices. The use of viscoelastics in medicine during
the past decades has created several new medical therapeutic modalities
including:
- VISCOAUGMENTATION, the use of viscoelastic gels for tissue
augmentation to provide a scaffolding for tissue regeneration or an
inert elastic filler in applications such as augmentation of dermal
tissue for the
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correction of facial wrinkles and depressed scars and
the augmentation of the sphincter muscle in urinary incontinence.
- VISCOPROTECTION, the use of elastoviscous fluids and viscoelastic
gels to shield and protect sensitive tissue surfaces, such as those
of the eye, from dryness and noxious environmental conditions.
- VISCOREGULATION, the use of the physical, or rheological, properties
of elastoviscous fluids and viscoelastic gels to regulate cell
activity, for example, the targeted delivery of drugs.
- VISCOSEPARATION, the use of viscoelastic gels, membranes and fluids
to separate tissues, prevent adhesions, and cover internal and
external wounds to facilitate wound healing and decrease scar
formation.
- VISCOSUPPLEMENTATION, the use of elastoviscous solutions and
viscoelastic gels in disease conditions to replace tissues and body
fluids.
- VISCOSURGERY, the use of elastoviscous fluids to facilitate surgical
procedures in ophthalmology, orthopedics and neurosurgery. The
viscoelastic acts as a surgical tool or implant to protect,
manipulate and separate delicate tissues.
Biomatrix was founded in 1981. In 1983, we established our research and
development department, laboratory facilities and a pilot manufacturing plant at
our corporate headquarters in Ridgefield, New Jersey. During the period from
1987 through 1995, we also conducted research and development work in Europe
through our wholly-owned subsidiary Biomatrix Svenska in Uppsala, Sweden.
Biomatrix Medical Canada was established in 1991 to manufacture medical products
and to market certain medical products in Canada. In 1997, Biomatrix UK,
Biomatrix Switzerland and Biomatrix Hong Kong were established to market and
sell certain medical products in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Hong Kong,
respectively. Biomatrix France was also established in 1997 to assist in
marketing certain products in France. In 1998, Biomatrix Germany was established
to assist in marketing certain products in Germany. In 1998, we completed
construction of a manufacturing plant in Ridgefield, New Jersey and commenced
manufacturing operations. We received ISO 9001/EN46001 certification of our
quality system for manufacturing viscoelastic medical therapeutics in the fourth
quarter of 1998 from European regulatory authorities. This ISO 9001/EN46001
certification permits us to manufacture and ship our products from our New
Jersey manufacturing facility to the 19 countries of the European Economic Area
and a number of countries in Latin America and Asia. During the first quarter of
1999, we also received FDA approval to ship Synvisc within the United States
from our New Jersey manufacturing facility.
We believe that we are distinguished from other companies in the field
by our association with Dr. Endre A. Balazs, our co-founder and current Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer, who has authored numerous
publications on the medical applications of hyaluronan-based viscoelastic
products. Prior to the organization of Biomatrix, Dr. Balazs invented the use of
hyaluronan in medicine and developed the first generation hyaluronan-based
viscoelastics used in medicine worldwide. These products were based on a highly
purified fraction of the unmodified, naturally occurring hyaluronan. In 1993, we
obtained the rights from Dr. Balazs to use his first generation technology for
medical applications, except for ophthalmic viscosurgery. Ophthalmic
viscosurgery refers to the use of elastoviscous fluids to protect, manipulate
and separate delicate tissues during eye surgery.
Under Dr. Balazs' leadership, our scientists developed a new class of
biopolymers, called hylans. These polysaccharide molecules are derived by
chemical modification of hyaluronan. Our hylan products are highly biocompatible
like the naturally occurring hyaluronan, which allows them to be used in the
body without causing allergic or foreign body reactions. We believe that
products made of hylans are superior to the products made of first generation
hyaluronan due to their enhanced physical, or rheological, properties and
prolonged residence time in tissues.
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Using our patented technology, we have developed clear fluids, clear
semi-solid gels, solid particles, sheaths, tubes and other useful physical
configurations. Our broad spectrum of proprietary products is manufactured
through several patented chemical modifications and cross-linking processes.
Viscoelastic devices are ideally made from the body's own molecules
found in the intercellular matrix, the highly organized structure separating
cells and integrating them into functional tissues. Viscoelastic products are
used in medicine by introducing them into the intercellular matrix during, after
or instead of surgical procedures to supplement, augment, regulate and
manipulate the healing and regenerative processes of the body and to restore the
homeostasis, or equilibrium, of the intercellular matrix. Therefore, the use of
viscoelastics for therapeutic purposes, i.e. engineering of the intercellular
matrix, is called matrix engineering.
For more detailed information about Biomatrix, you should review the
documents that we have filed with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the 1998 fiscal year.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Biomatrix will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares of
common stock offered by Warburg Dillon Read under this prospectus.
SELLING STOCKHOLDER
On May 14, 1998, we issued to Warburg Dillon Read, the selling
stockholder, a convertible subordinated note convertible into 375,000 shares of
Biomatrix common stock. As a result of a 2-for-1 stock split in the form of a
stock dividend effective April 16, 1999, the note became convertible into
750,000 shares of Biomatrix common stock. Under a Registration Rights Agreement
also dated May 14, 1998, we agreed to register all of the Biomatrix common stock
issuable upon conversion of the convertible note not later than May 14, 1999 and
to use our best efforts to keep the registration statement effective for one
year, or until Warburg Dillon Read sells all of the shares under the
registration statement, whichever comes first. Our registration of the shares of
common stock does not necessarily mean that Warburg Dillon Read will sell all or
any of the shares.
- Warburg Dillon Read reports to us that, as of April 14, 1999,
it does not beneficially own any Biomatrix common stock other
than its right to receive shares upon conversion of the
convertible note described above.
- Warburg Dillon Read will not beneficially own any shares of
Biomatrix common stock after this offering if it sells all of
the shares offered by this prospectus and does not acquire any
additional shares.
- Warburg Dillon Read has not, within the past three years, held
any position, or had any other material relationship with,
Biomatrix.
Some information given to us by Warburg Dillon Read may have changed, and may
yet change, after the date on which it provided this information to us.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3(d) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We have been advised by Warburg Dillon Read that the shares offered
hereby may be sold directly by Warburg Dillon Read from time to time to
purchasers. Alternatively, Warburg Dillon Read may from time to time offer the
shares to or through underwriters, brokers/dealers or agents, who may receive
compensation in the form of underwriting discounts, concessions or commissions
from Warburg Dillon Read or the purchasers of shares for whom they may act as
agents. Warburg Dillon Read and any underwriters, brokers/dealers or agents that
participate in the distribution of the shares may be deemed to be "underwriters"
within the meaning of the Securities Act and
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any profit realized by them on the sale of such shares and any discounts,
commissions, concessions or other compensation received by any such underwriter,
broker/dealer or agent may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and
commissions under the Securities Act.
We have been advised by Warburg Dillon Read that the shares may be sold
from time to time in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at market prices
prevailing at the time of sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale
or at negotiated prices. The sale of shares, which may involve crosses or block
transactions, may be effected in transactions:
- on any national securities exchange or quotation service on
which the shares may be listed or quoted at the time of sale,
- in the over-the-counter market,
- in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or in the
over-the-counter market, or
- through the writing of options.
At the time a particular offering of shares is made, a supplement to this
prospectus, if required, will be distributed which will set forth the aggregate
amount and type of shares being offered and the terms of such offering,
including the name or names of any underwriters, brokers/dealers or agents, any
discounts, commissions and other terms constituting compensation from Warburg
Dillon Read and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed
to be paid to broker/dealers.
We have been advised by Warburg Dillon Read that in connection with
distributions of the shares or otherwise, Warburg Dillon Read may enter into
hedging transactions with banks or broker-dealers. In connection with such
transactions, banks or broker-dealers may engage in short sales of the shares in
the course of hedging the positions they assume with Warburg Dillon Read.
Warburg Dillon Read may also sell short and redeliver the shares to close out
such short positions. Warburg Dillon Read may also enter into option or other
transactions with banks or broker-dealers which require the delivery to the bank
or broker-dealer shares registered hereunder, which the bank or broker-dealer
may resell or otherwise transfer pursuant to this prospectus. Warburg Dillon
Read may also resell all or a portion of the shares in open-market transactions
in reliance on Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, provided
that such transactions meet the criteria of and conform to the requirements of
such rule. Warburg Dillon Read may also make gifts of the shares or lend or
pledge the shares to a bank, broker-dealer or other pledgee, and the donee,
bank, broker-dealer or other pledgee may sell the shares so gifted, loaned, or
upon a default, the bank, broker-dealer or other pledgee may effect sales of the
pledged shares pursuant to this prospectus.
To comply with the securities laws of certain jurisdictions, if
applicable, the shares will be offered or sold in such jurisdictions only
through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in certain
jurisdictions the shares may not be offered or sold unless they have been
registered or qualified for sale in such jurisdictions or an exemption from
registration or qualification is available and complied with.
Under Regulation M of the Exchange Act, any person engaged in a
distribution of the shares may be prohibited, with certain exceptions, from
bidding for or purchasing any security which is the subject of such distribution
until its participation in that distribution is completed. In addition,
Regulation M prohibits any stabilizing bid or stabilizing purchase for the
purpose of pegging, fixing or stabilizing the price of common stock in
connection with the offering of the shares pursuant to this prospectus.
We will pay all expenses of the registration of the shares, including,
without limitation, SEC filing fees and expenses of compliance with state
securities or "blue sky" laws; provided, however, that all underwriting
discounts, selling commissions and counsel fees, if any, of Warburg Dillon Read
will be paid by Warburg Dillon Read. Warburg Dillon Read will be indemnified by
Biomatrix against certain civil liabilities, including certain liabilities under
the Securities Act, or will be entitled to contribution in connection therewith.
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LEGAL MATTERS
Bingham Dana LLP, Boston, Massachusetts will give its opinion that the
shares offered in this prospectus have been validly issued and are fully paid
and non-assessable. Justin P. Morreale, a partner at Bingham Dana LLP, is a
director of Biomatrix. Mr. Morreale, along with other partners at Bingham Dana
LLP, own a total of approximately 130,000 shares of Biomatrix common stock. John
J. Concannon III, also a partner of Bingham Dana LLP, is the Secretary of
Biomatrix.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Biomatrix, Inc. as of December
31, 1998 and 1997 and for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1998, incorporated by reference in this prospectus and registration
statement, have been incorporated herein in reliance on the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of
that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN GET MORE INFORMATION
We are a reporting company and file annual, quarterly and current
reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and
copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the operation of the Public Reference
Room. The SEC also maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and
information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file
electronically with the SEC (at http://www.sec.gov).
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we
file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is
an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with
the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate
by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we will make with
the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934:
- Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998;
- Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999;
- Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999;
- Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
1999;
- The description of the common stock contained in Biomatrix's
Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed June 12, 1998 with the SEC
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
You may request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing,
telephoning or e-mailing us at the following address:
Biomatrix, Inc.
65 Railroad Avenue
Ridgefield, NJ 07657
Attn: Investor Relations
(201) 945-9550
[email protected]
This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the
SEC. You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or
provided in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with
different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any
state where the offer is not
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permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus is
accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this document.
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