DERMA SCIENCES INC
S-4, 1998-07-17
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS
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     As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 1998
                                                Registration No. 333-
================================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM S-4

                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                              DERMA SCIENCES, INC.
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

  Pennsylvania                          5129                      23-2328753
(State or other                  (Primary Standard             (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction of              Industrial Classification       Identification No.)
incorporation or                    Code Number)
organization)
 

                         214 Carnegie Center, Suite 100
                               Princeton, NJ 08540
                                 (609) 514-4744
                   (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
        including area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)


                           Edward J. Quilty, Chairman
                         214 Carnegie Center, Suite 100
                               Princeton, NJ 08540
                                 (609) 514-4744
            (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)

                  Copies of all communications and notices to:
                          Raymond C. Hedger, Jr., Esq.
                                 Hedger & Hedger
                        1800 Linglestown Road, Suite 206
                              Harrisburg, PA 17110
                                 (717) 238-1800

     Approximate  date  of  commencement  of  proposed  sale  to  public:   Upon
consummation of the merger described herein (the "Merger").

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
=====================================================================================================================
                                                  Proposed maximum       Proposed maximum
   Title of each class of       Amount to be      offering price per     aggregate offering    Amount of registration
securities to be registered    registered (1)            unit                 price(2)                   fee
=====================================================================================================================
<S>                               <C>               <C>                      <C>                        <C> 
Common Stock, $.01 par
value per share                   1,683,000         Not Applicable           $1,202,075                 $355
=====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1)  Based upon the maximum number of shares of Common Stock of Derma  Sciences,
     Inc. ("Derma Sciences") that may be issued in connection with the Merger.
(2)  Estimated  solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee required
     by Section 6(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the  "Securities
     Act") and computed  pursuant to Rules  457(f) and (c) under the  Securities
     Act based on (i) $0.500,  the average of the high and low per share  prices
     of Common Shares of Genetic  Laboratories  Wound Care Inc. ("Genetic Labs")
     on the NASD  Electronic  Bulletin  Board  for  July  15,  1998 and (ii) the
     maximum  number of  Genetic  Labs  Common  Shares to be  acquired  by Derma
     Sciences in connection with the Merger.  

     THE REGISTRANT  HEREBY AMENDS THIS  REGISTRATION  STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL

<PAGE>

FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY  STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION SHALL
THEREAFTER  BECOME  EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE  WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES
ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION  SHATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH
DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION,  ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION
8(a), MAY DETERMINE.

<PAGE>


                              DERMA SCIENCES, INC.
                          PROXY STATEMENT - PROSPECTUS
                          ----------------------------

                      GENETIC LABORATORIES WOUND CARE, INC.
                                 PROXY STATEMENT
                          ----------------------------

                       JOINT PROXY STATEMENT - PROSPECTUS

     This    Joint    Proxy     Statement-Prospectus     (the    "Joint    Proxy
Statement-Prospectus")  is being  furnished to  shareholders  of Derma Sciences,
Inc., a Pennsylvania  corporation  ("Derma  Sciences"),  in connection  with the
solicitation  of proxies by the Board of Directors of Derma  Sciences for use at
the special  meeting of  shareholders  of Derma Sciences to be held on September
25,  1998,  at 10:00 a.m.,  local time,  at the offices of Derma  Sciences,  214
Carnegie Center,  Suite 100, Princeton,  New Jersey (the "Derma Sciences Special
Meeting"),  or any  adjournments  or  postponements  thereof.  This Joint  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus   is  also  being  furnished  to  shareholders  of  Genetic
Laboratories  Wound Care, Inc., a Minnesota  corporation  ("Genetic  Labs"),  in
connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Genetic
Labs for use at the special  meeting of  shareholders of Genetic Labs to be held
on September  25,  1998,  at 10:00 a.m.,  local time,  at the offices of Genetic
Labs,  2726  Patton  Road,  St.  Paul,  Minnesota  (the  "Genetic  Labs  Special
Meeting"), or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

     The Joint Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  describes  the terms of the proposed
merger  (the  "Merger")  of  Derma  Merging  Corporation  ("Derma  Merging"),  a
Pennsylvania  corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Derma Sciences,  with
and into Genetic Labs  pursuant to the  Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of
July 7, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement") by and among Derma Sciences, Derma Merging
and Genetic Labs.

     Upon the terms and subject to the  conditions of the Merger  Agreement,  at
the effective time of the Merger (the "Effective Time"), among other things, (i)
each issued and outstanding  common share,  par value $.01 per share, of Genetic
Labs ("Genetic Labs Common Shares")  (other than shares as to which  dissenters'
rights have been duly demanded  under  Minnesota law) will be converted into the
right to receive 0.7 shares  (the  "Exchange  Ratio"),  with  fractional  shares
rounded up to the next  higher  whole  share,  of fully  paid and  nonassessable
shares of common stock,  $.01 par value per share, of Derma Sciences  (variously
"Derma Sciences Common Stock" or "Common Stock"), and (ii) Derma Merging will be
merged with and into Genetic Labs,  with Genetic Labs  surviving the Merger as a
wholly owned subsidiary of Derma Sciences.

     THE EXCHANGE RATIO IS FIXED.  ACCORDINGLY,  A CHANGE IN THE MARKET PRICE OF
DERMA SCIENCES COMMON STOCK BEFORE THE MERGER WILL AFFECT THE VALUE OF THE DERMA
SCIENCES COMMON STOCK TO BE RECEIVED IN THE MERGER.

     At the Derma Sciences Special Meeting,  shareholders of Derma Sciences will
be asked to consider  and vote upon a proposal to approve the  issuance of up to
1,683,000  shares of Derma Sciences  Common Stock in connection  with the Merger
(such  number of shares or any  portion  thereof  are  referred to herein as the
"Merger  Shares").  Approval  of such  issuance  by the  shareholders  of  Derma
Sciences is  required by the rules of the  National  Association  of  Securities
Dealers,  Inc. ("NASD") because shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock are traded
on the  Nasdaq  SmallCap  Market  and the  number  of shares to be issued in the
Merger will exceed 20% of the issued and  outstanding  shares of Derma  Sciences
Common Stock. Shareholders of Derma Sciences are not voting upon approval of the
Merger Agreement  because such approval is not required under  Pennsylvania law.
In addition to the proposal  regarding the issuance of the Merger Shares, at the
Derma Sciences  Special Meeting  shareholders of Derma Sciences will be asked to
consider and vote upon a proposal to amend the Derma Sciences, Inc. Stock Option
Plan (the  "Plan") to  increase  the number of shares of Derma  Sciences  Common
Stock  authorized  to be issued under the Plan from 450,000 to 1,500,000  and to
allow officers, directors,  employees,  associates,  consultants and advisors of
Derma  Sciences'  subsidiaries  to be eligible for grants of stock options under
the Plan.

     At the Genetic Labs Special  Meeting,  shareholders of Genetic Labs will be
asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Merger Agreement.

                                       1

<PAGE>


     This Joint Proxy  Statement-Prospectus also serves as a prospectus of Derma
Sciences  under the  Securities  Act of 1933,  as amended,  with  respect to the
Merger  Shares.  SEE "RISK  FACTORS"  FOR A DISCUSSION  OF CERTAIN  FACTORS THAT
SHOULD  BE  CONSIDERED  CAREFULLY  BY  SHAREHOLDERS  OF  GENETIC  LABS AND DERMA
SCIENCES IN EVALUATING THE MERGER.

     This Joint Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  and the accompanying forms of proxy
are first being sent to  shareholders  of Derma  Sciences  and  shareholders  of
Genetic Labs on or about September 1, 1998.

                               -------------------

     THE SECURITIES TO WHICH THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS  RELATES HAVE
NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED  BY THE  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR
ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION,  NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
OR ANY STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
JOINT  PROXY  STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS.  ANY  REPRESENTATION  TO THE  CONTRARY  IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                               -------------------

       The date of this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus is July 17, 1998.

                               -------------------

     NO  PERSON  IS  AUTHORIZED  TO  GIVE  ANY   INFORMATION   OR  TO  MAKE  ANY
REPRESENTATIONS  OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS
JOINT PROXY  STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS,  AND IF GIVEN OR MADE,  SUCH  INFORMATION  OR
REPRESENTATIONS SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED.  THIS JOINT
PROXY   STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS  DOES  NOT  CONSTITUTE  AN  OFFER  TO  SELL,  OR  A
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, THE SECURITIES OFFERED BY THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS,  OR THE SOLICITATION OF A PROXY, IN ANY JURISDICTION TO OR
FROM  ANY  PERSON  TO WHOM  OR FROM  WHOM IT IS  UNLAWFUL  TO MAKE  SUCH  OFFER,
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER OR PROXY SOLICITATION IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE
DELIVERY  OF THIS  JOINT  PROXY  STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS  NOR ANY  DISTRIBUTION  OF
SECURITIES  PURSUANT TO THIS JOINT PROXY  STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS  SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES,  CREATE  ANY  IMPLICATION  THAT  THERE  HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
INFORMATION SET FORTH OR  INCORPORATED  HEREIN BY REFERENCE OR IN THE AFFAIRS OF
DERMA   SCIENCES   OR  GENETIC   LABS  SINCE  THE  DATE  OF  THIS  JOINT   PROXY
STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS.  THE  INFORMATION  CONTAINED  HEREIN WITH RESPECT TO DERMA
SCIENCES  HAS BEEN  PROVIDED BY DERMA  SCIENCES  AND THE  INFORMATION  CONTAINED
HEREIN WITH RESPECT TO GENETIC LABS HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY GENETIC LABS.

     This Joint Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  incorporates  by reference  certain
documents  concerning  Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs that are not presented or
delivered  herewith.  Derma  Sciences  and Genetic  Labs will  provide,  without
charge, to each person (including any beneficial owner) to whom this Joint Proxy
Statement-Prospectus is delivered,  upon written or oral request by such person,
a copy of any and all of the information that has been incorporated by reference
herein (not  including  exhibits to such  information  unless such  exhibits are
specifically  incorporated  by  reference  into such  information).  In order to
obtain  timely  delivery  of any such  documents,  a  person  must  request  the
information no later than September 18, 1998, i.e. five business days before the
special  meeting  of  shareholders  of  Genetic  Labs and Derma  Sciences.  Such
requests  should be directed to Richard S. Mink,  Chief  Operating  Officer,  at
Derma Sciences'  principal  executive offices,  214 Carnegie Center,  Suite 100,
Princeton,  New Jersey 08540,  telephone (609) 514-4744 or to Arthur A. Beisang,
Chairman and Chief  Executive  Officer,  at Genetic  Labs'  principal  executive
offices,  2726 Patton Road,  St. Paul,  Minnesota  55113-1136,  telephone  (612)
633-0805.

                                       2

<PAGE>


                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     Derma   Sciences  and  Genetic  Labs  are  subject  to  the   informational
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,  (the "Exchange
Act") and in accordance  therewith  file  reports,  proxy  statements  and other
information  with the Securities  and Exchange  Commission  (the  "Commission").
These  reports,  proxy  statements  and other  information  may be inspected and
copied at the  public  reference  facilities  maintained  by the  Commission  at
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549 and at the following
Regional Offices of the Commission:  7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York,
New York  10048 and  Citicorp  Center,  500 West  Madison  Street,  Suite  1400,
Chicago,  Illinois  60661-2511.  Reports  filed  since  April,  1996 can also be
inspected via the internet at http://www.sec.gov in the EDGAR archives.

     Derma Sciences has filed with the  Commission a  registration  statement on
Form S-4 (together with all amendments,  supplements and exhibits  thereto,  the
"Registration  Statement")  under the  Securities  Act with respect to the Derma
Sciences  Common Stock to be issued in  connection  with the Merger.  This Joint
Proxy Statement-Prospectus constitutes the prospectus of Derma Sciences filed as
part of the Registration Statement.  The Joint Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  does
not  contain all of the  information  set forth in the  Registration  Statement,
certain parts of which are omitted in accordance  with the rules and regulations
of the Commission.  The  Registration  Statement is available for inspection and
copying as set forth above.

                 INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

     The documents listed below have been filed by with the Commission under the
Exchange Act and are incorporated herein by reference:

     (a)  Derma  Sciences'  Annual  Report  on Form  10-KSB  for the year  ended
          December 31, 1997 ("Derma Sciences' Form 10-KSB").
     (b)  Derma Sciences'  Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended
          March, 31, 1998.
     (c)  Derma Sciences'  Current Reports on Forms 8-K dated February 12, 1998,
          February 19, 1998,  April 10, 1998, May 13, 1998,  June 10, 1998, July
          9, 1998, and July 13, 1998.
     (d)  Derma Sciences'  definitive Proxy Statement for the Special Meeting of
          Shareholders  held January 7, 1998 ("Derma  Sciences'  Special Meeting
          Proxy Statement").
     (e)  Derma Sciences'  definitive  Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
          Shareholders  held May 12, 1998 ("Derma Sciences' Annual Meeting Proxy
          Statement").
     (f)  The  description  of Derma  Sciences'  Common  Stock  contained in its
          registration statement on Form 8-A effective May 13, 1994.
     (g)  The description of Derma Sciences'  Preferred Stock contained in Derma
          Sciences' Special Meeting Proxy Statement.
     (h)  Genetic  Labs' Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended May 31,
          1997 ("Genetic Labs' Form 10-KSB").
     (i)  Genetic Labs'  definitive  Proxy  Statement for the Annual  Meeting of
          Shareholders  held  November 3, 1997  ("Genetic  Labs' Annual  Meeting
          Proxy Statement").
     (j)  Genetic Labs' Quarterly  Reports on Form 10-QSB for the quarters ended
          August 31, 1997, November 30, 1997 and February 28, 1998.
     (k)  Genetic Labs' Current  Reports on Form 8-K dated May 12, 1998 and July
          14, 1998.

     All documents filed by Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs pursuant to Sections
13(a),  13(c),  14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act,  subsequent to the date hereof
and prior to the date of the Special  Meetings,  in the case of Genetic  Labs or
the date on which the offering terminates,  in the case of Derma Sciences, shall
be  deemed  to  be   incorporated   by   reference   into   this   Joint   Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  and to be a part  hereof  from the date of  filing of such
documents.  Any  statement  contained  herein or in a document  incorporated  or
deemed to be incorporated by reference  herein shall be deemed to be modified or
superseded  for purposes of the Joint Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  to the extent
that such  statement is modified or superseded by a statement in a  subsequently
filed  document  which  also is or is deemed  to be  incorporated  by  reference
herein. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except
as so  modified  or  superseded,  to  constitute  a part  of  this  Joint  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus.

                                       3

<PAGE>


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                    <C>
Section                                                                                            Page No.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .....................................................................            3
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE .................................................................            3
SUMMARY .....................................................................................           7
    Parties to the Merger Agreement ........................................................            7
    Recent Developments ....................................................................            7
    The Derma Sciences Special Meeting .....................................................            7
    The Genetic Labs Special Meeting .......................................................            8
    The Merger and the Merger Agreement ....................................................            9
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS .................................           11
COMPARATIVE HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA COMBINED PER SHARE DATA................................           11
RISK FACTORS ...............................................................................           12
    No Dividends ...........................................................................           12
    Outstanding Options .....................................................................          12
    Possible Volatility of Securities Prices ...............................................           13
    Absence of Historical Profitability; Recent Losses; Accumulated Deficit ................           13
    Quarterly Fluctuations .................................................................           13
    Restructuring of Distribution System ...................................................           13
    Government Regulation and Product Approval .............................................           13
    Declining Sales and Dependence on a Single Product Line ................................           14
    Healthcare Reimbursement ...............................................................           14
    Patents and Proprietary Technology .....................................................           14
    Dependence on Third Party Manufacturers ................................................           14
    Genetic Labs' Dependence on Single Customer ............................................           14
    Technological Change and Competition ...................................................           14
    Attraction and Retention of Key Personnel ..............................................           15
    Acquisition, Business Combinations and Strategic Alliances .............................           15
    Product Liability; Insurance ...........................................................           15
    Integration of Acquired Business .......................................................           15
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ........................................................................           16
    Settlement of ABS LifeSciences, Inc. Litigation.........................................           16
    Completion of Convertible Securities Offering...........................................           16
    Sunshine Products, Inc. Purchase........................................................           16
THE DERMA SCIENCES SPECIAL MEETING .........................................................           17
    Date, Time and Place ...................................................................           17
    Purpose of the Derma Sciences Special Meeting ..........................................           17
    Record Date ............................................................................           17
    Required Vote ..........................................................................           17
    Proxies ................................................................................           17
    Availability of Accountants ............................................................           18
THE GENETIC LABS SPECIAL MEETING ...........................................................           18
    Date, Time and Place ...................................................................           18
    Purpose of the Derma Sciences Special Meeting ..........................................           19
    Record Date ............................................................................           19
    Required Vote ..........................................................................           19
    Proxies ................................................................................           20
    Availability of Accountants ............................................................           20
THE MERGER .................................................................................           20
    Background of the Merger ...............................................................           21
    Derma Sciences' Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the
       Derma Sciences Board of Directors....................................................           21
    Genetic Labs' Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the
       Genetic Labs Board of Directors......................................................           22
    Closing; Effective Time ................................................................           23
</TABLE>
                                       4

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                    <C>
    Form of the Merger; Merger Consideration ...............................................           23
    Exchange of Stock Certificates .........................................................           23
    Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger .............................................           24
       Stock Options .......................................................................           24
       Employment Agreements ...............................................................           25
       Indemnification .....................................................................           25
    Certain Federal Income Taxes Consequences of the Merger ................................           26
       The Merger ..........................................................................           26
       Federal Income Tax Consequences to Dissenters .......................................           27
    Accounting Treatment ...................................................................           27
    Regulatory Filings and Approvals .......................................................           27
    Restrictions on Sales of Shares by Affiliates ..........................................           27
    Quotation of Derma Sciences Common Stock on Nasdaq .....................................           27
    Dissenters' Rights .....................................................................           28
    Delisting and Deregistration of Genetic Labs Common Shares After the Merger ............           30
    The Merger Agreement ...................................................................           30
       Conversion of Shares; Exchange Ratio ................................................           30
       Representations and Warranties ......................................................           31
       Conduct of Business Prior to Effective Time .........................................           31
       No Other Negotiations ...............................................................           32
       Indemnification .....................................................................           33
       Genetic Labs Stock Options ..........................................................           33
       Conditions to Consummation of the Merger ............................................           34
       Termination and Termination Fee .....................................................           35
       Extension, Waiver and Amendment .....................................................           35
    Related Agreements .....................................................................           36
    Operations After the Merger ............................................................           36
INFORMATION CONCERNING DERMA SCIENCES ......................................................           36
INFORMATION CONCERNING GENETIC LABS ........................................................           37
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET PRICE DATA ....................................................           37
    Historical Comparative Per Share Data ..................................................           37
    Recent Comparative Per Share and Equivalent Per Share Data .............................           38
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS AND
    STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS ...............................................................           38
    Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Balance Sheets ..................................           39
    Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Statements of Operations ........................           40
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Balance Sheets and
       Statement of Operations..............................................................           43
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF DERMA SCIENCES COMMON
    STOCK AND GENETIC LABS COMMON SHARES ...................................................           43
    Introduction ...........................................................................           43
    Authorized Common Stock ................................................................           44
    Board or Shareholder Approved Preferred Stock ..........................................           44
    Voting Rights ..........................................................................           44
    Number of Directors ....................................................................           45
    Election of Board of Directors .........................................................           45
    Vote on Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Substantially All Assets ......................           45
    Special Meetings of Shareholders .......................................................           46
    Shareholder Action by Written Consent ..................................................           46
    Amendment of Articles of Incorporation .................................................           46
    Amendment of Bylaws ....................................................................           47
    Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors ................................           47
    Payment of Dividends ...................................................................           48
    Anti-takeover Protection ...............................................................           48
    Appraisal Rights .......................................................................           49
OWNERSHIP OF DERMA SCIENCES COMMON STOCK ...................................................           50
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF DERMA SCIENCES AND GENETIC LABS...................................           51
</TABLE>
                                       5

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                    <C>
PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE DERMA SCIENCES, INC. STOCK OPTION PLAN ...............................           51
    Summary of the Plan ....................................................................           51
       General Purpose .....................................................................           51
       Amendment and Restatement............................................................           51
       Administration of the Plan ..........................................................           52
    Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Plan ............................................           52
       Nonqualified Stock Options ..........................................................           52
       Incentive Stock Options .............................................................           52
       Alternative Minimum Tax .............................................................           52
       Exercise with Previously-Owned Shares ...............................................           53
       The Corporation Deduction ...........................................................           53
       1997 Tax Act ........................................................................           53
OWNERSHIP OF GENETIC LABS COMMON STOCK .....................................................           53
LEGAL OPINION ..............................................................................           54
EXPERTS ....................................................................................           54
MANAGEMENT AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.......................................................           54
APPENDICES
    Merger Agreement .......................................................................            A
    Sections 303A.471 and 302A.473 of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act
       Relating to Rights of Dissenting Shareholders........................................            B
    Derma Sciences, Inc. Stock Option Plan .................................................            C
</TABLE>
                                       6

<PAGE>


                                     SUMMARY

     The  following  summary is not  intended to be complete and is qualified in
its  entirety by more  detailed  information  appearing  elsewhere in this Joint
Proxy Statement-Prospectus, including the Appendices hereto, or in the documents
incorporated  herein by reference.  Shareholders  of Derma  Sciences and Genetic
Labs  are  urged  to  read  carefully  this  Joint  Proxy  Statement-Prospectus,
including  the  Appendices  hereto,  and the  documents  incorporated  herein by
reference, in their entirety.

PARTIES TO THE MERGER AGREEMENT

Derma Sciences, Inc.

     Derma Sciences,  Inc., a Pennsylvania  corporation ("Derma  Sciences"),  is
engaged  in  the   development,   marketing   and  sales  of   proprietary   and
non-proprietary  topical,  nutrient-based wound care products for the management
of certain  chronic,  non-healing  skin  ulcerations such as pressure and venous
ulcers,  surgical  incisions and burns.  The mailing  address of Derma Sciences'
principal executive offices is: 214 Carnegie Center,  Suite 100, Princeton,  New
Jersey and its telephone number is (609) 514-4744.

     Derma  Merging  Company,  a  Pennsylvania   corporation  and  wholly  owned
subsidiary of Derma Sciences ("Derma  Merging"),  was incorporated in July, 1998
for the purposes of the  transactions  contemplated by the Merger  Agreement (as
defined below). Derma Merging engages in no other business.  The mailing address
of Derma Merging's  principal offices is c/o Derma Sciences,  Inc., 214 Carnegie
Center,  Suite 100,  Princeton,  New Jersey  and the  telephone  number is (609)
514-4744.

Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc.

     Genetic  Laboratories Wound Care, Inc. ("Genetic Labs") was incorporated on
January 19, 1988, in the State of Minnesota as a dividend to the shareholders of
Bioplasty,  Inc.  pursuant to an agreement between  Bioplasty,  Inc. and Genetic
Labs  dated as of  February  29,  1988.  Genetic  Labs  acquired  the wound care
business and certain other assets of  Bioplasty,  Inc.  Genetic Labs'  executive
offices are located at 2726 Patton Road, St. Paul,  Minnesota 55113-1136 and the
telephone number is (612) 633-0805.

     Genetic  Labs  is  engaged  in  the  development,  marketing  and  sale  of
proprietary  consumable wound care products.  Genetic Labs' primary products are
sterile pressure  sensitive  adhesive wound closure strips,  specialty  pressure
sensitive adhesive  fasteners and tubular net dressings.  Genetic Labs purchases
from independent  manufacturers  products that are made to the specifications of
Genetic  Labs.  Genetic  Labs  sells  its  products  to a group of  distributors
servicing  hospitals,  clinics and long term care facilities  within and outside
the United  States.  This group of  distributors  is  augmented  by more than 20
independent manufacturer's representatives in the United States.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

     Recently,  Derma Sciences settled  litigation with ABS LifeSciences,  Inc.,
closed a private  offering of  $4,000,000 in aggregate  principal  amount of its
convertible  securities  and  executed a letter of intent to purchase all of the
outstanding capital stock of Sunshine Products, Inc. See "Recent Developments."

THE DERMA SCIENCES SPECIAL MEETING

Date, Time and Place

     The special  meeting of shareholders of Derma Sciences (the "Derma Sciences
Special Meeting") is anticipated to be held on September 25, 1998 at 10:00 a.m.,
local time, at the offices of Derma Sciences, Princeton, New Jersey.

                                       7

<PAGE>


Purpose

     At the Derma Sciences Special  Meeting,  the shareholders of Derma Sciences
will be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the issuance of up
to 1,683,000 shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock (such number of shares or any
portion thereof are referred to herein as the "Merger  Shares")  pursuant to the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 7, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement"),
by and among Derma Sciences, Derma Merging and Genetic Labs providing for, among
other  things,  the  merger of Derma  Merging  with and into  Genetic  Labs (the
"Merger"),  a copy of  which is  attached  as  Appendix  A to this  Joint  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus.  Approval of such issuance is required by the rules of the
National  Association  of  Securities  Dealers,  Inc.  because  shares  of Derma
Sciences Common Stock are traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market and the number of
shares to be issued in the Merger will exceed 20% of the issued and  outstanding
shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock.

     In addition to the proposal regarding the issuance of the Merger Shares, at
the Derma Sciences Special Meeting, shareholders of Derma Sciences will be asked
to consider and vote upon  proposals  to amend the Derma  Sciences,  Inc.  Stock
Option  Plan (the  "Plan") to  increase  the number of shares of Derma  Sciences
Common  Stock  authorized  to be issued under the Plan from 450,000 to 1,500,000
and to allow  personnel of Derma  Sciences'  subsidiaries  to participate in the
Plan.

Record Date

     The Board of  Directors  of Derma  Sciences  (the "Derma  Sciences  Board")
anticipates  fixing the close of  business on August 14, 1998 as the record date
(the "Derma  Sciences  Record Date") for the  determination  of  shareholders of
Derma Sciences  entitled to notice of and to vote at the Derma Sciences  Special
Meeting.  As of the Derma Sciences Record Date,  there are expected to be issued
and  outstanding  4,567,632  shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock and 1,750,000
shares of Series A Convertible  Preferred Stock ("Preferred  Stock") assuming no
exercises  of  stock  options  or  warrants  or   conversions  of  newly  issued
convertible securities.

Required Vote

     The  representation  in  person or by proxy of at least a  majority  of the
votes  represented by the outstanding  shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock and
Preferred  Stock  entitled to be cast at the Derma Sciences  Special  Meeting is
necessary to establish a quorum for the transaction of business. Abstentions and
broker  non-votes  will be counted as present or  represented  for  purposes  of
determining  whether a quorum is  present on any  matter.  The  approval  of the
issuance of shares of Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock in the Merger  requires the
affirmative  vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Derma Sciences  Special
Meeting  by the  holders  of the  shares  of Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock  and
Preferred Stock. As of June 30, 1998,  directors and executive officers of Derma
Sciences  and  their  affiliates  had  the  right  to  cast  votes  representing
approximately  19.1% of all votes  represented  by the  issued  and  outstanding
shares  of Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock  and Derma  Sciences  Preferred  Stock
entitled  to be cast at the  Derma  Sciences  Special  Meeting.  See "The  Derma
Sciences Special Meeting-Required Vote." See "Ownership of Derma Sciences Common
Stock."

Proxies

     Shares of Derma Sciences  Common Stock and Preferred  Stock  represented by
properly  executed  proxies  received prior to or at the Derma Sciences  Special
Meeting will,  unless such proxies or voting directions shall have been revoked,
be  voted  in  accordance  with  the  instructions   indicated  therein.  If  no
instructions  are indicated on a properly  executed proxy or voting  directions,
the shares will be voted FOR approval of the  issuance of the Merger  Shares and
FOR  approval  of the  amendment  and  restatement  of the Plan.  See "The Derma
Sciences Special Meeting-Proxies."

GENETIC LABS SPECIAL MEETING

Date, Time and Place

     The Special  Meeting of  shareholders  of Genetic Labs (the  "Genetic  Labs
Special Meeting") is anticipated to be held on September 25, 1998 at 10:00 a.m.,
local time, at Genetic Labs' principal offices, St. Paul Minnesota.

                                       8

<PAGE>


Purpose

     At the Genetic Labs Special Meeting,  the shareholders of Genetic Labs will
be asked to consider and vote upon the proposal to approve the Merger Agreement.

Record Date

     The  Board  of  Directors  of  Genetic  Labs  (the  "Genetic  Labs  Board")
anticipates  fixing the close of  business on August 14, 1998 as the record date
(the  "Genetic  Labs Record  Date") for the  determination  of  shareholders  of
Genetic  Labs  entitled  to notice of and to vote at the  Genetic  Labs  Special
Meeting.  As of the Genetic Labs Record Date, there are expected to be 2,404,150
common shares,  par value $.01 per share,  of Genetic Labs ("Genetic Labs Common
Shares")  issued and outstanding  assuming no exercise of currently  outstanding
stock options.

Required Vote

     The  affirmative  vote of the  holders of at least a majority of the issued
and outstanding  Genetic Labs Common Shares entitled to vote at the Genetic Labs
Special Meeting is required to approve the Merger  Agreement.  As of the Genetic
Labs Record Date,  directors  and  executive  officers of Genetic Labs and their
affiliates  had  the  right  to  vote  approximately  37.5%  of all  issued  and
outstanding  Genetic  Labs Common  Shares  entitled to vote at the Genetic  Labs
Special Meeting. See "Ownership of Genetic Labs Common Stock."

Proxies

     Genetic  Labs  Common  Shares  represented  by  properly  executed  proxies
received  prior to or at the Genetic  Labs  Special  Meeting  will,  unless such
proxies shall have been revoked,  be voted in accordance  with the  instructions
indicated  therein.  If no  instructions  are  indicated on a properly  executed
proxy, the shares will be voted FOR approval of the Merger  Agreement.  See "The
Genetic Labs Special Meeting-Proxies."

THE MERGER AND THE MERGER AGREEMENT

Closing; Effective Time

     The closing of the  transactions  contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the
"Closing") will take place on the day on which each of certain conditions to the
Merger set forth in the Merger  Agreement  is  satisfied  or waived,  or on such
other date and at such other time and place as Derma  Sciences  and Genetic Labs
shall agree (the  "Closing  Date").  The Merger will become  effective  upon the
filing of the  Articles of Merger with the Office of the  Secretary  of State of
the State of Minnesota as required by Minnesota law (the "Effective Time"). Such
filing will be made as soon as  practicable  on or after the Closing  Date.  See
"The    Merger-Closing;    Effective   Time"   and   "The   Merger-The    Merger
Agreement-Conditions to Consummation of the Merger."

Form of the Merger; Merger Consideration

     At the Effective Time,  Derma Merging will merge with and into Genetic Labs
and Genetic Labs will survive the Merger as a wholly owned  subsidiary  of Derma
Sciences.

     In addition, at the Effective Time, among other things, (i) each issued and
outstanding  common share,  par value $.01 per share,  of Genetic Labs ("Genetic
Labs Common Shares") (other than shares as to which dissenters' rights have been
duly demanded  under  Minnesota law) will be converted into the right to receive
0.7 shares (the "Exchange Ratio"), with fractional shares rounded up to the next
higher whole share,  of fully paid and  nonassessable  shares of Derma  Sciences
Common Stock,  and (ii) Derma Merging will be merged with and into Genetic Labs,
with Genetic Labs  surviving  the Merger as a wholly owned  subsidiary  of Derma
Sciences.  The number of shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock to be received by
shareholders  of Genetic  Labs in the Merger for each  Genetic Labs Common Share
held by them is  approximately  1,683,000.  The closing price per share of Derma
Sciences  Common Stock on the Nasdaq  SmallCap Market on July 15, 1998 (the last
full  trading day for which  closing  prices were  available  at the time of the
printing of this Joint Proxy  Statement-Prospectus) was $1.25.

                                       9

<PAGE>


Exchange of Stock Certificates

     As soon as  practicable  after the Effective  Time,  StockTrans,  Inc. (the
"Exchange  Agent") will mail  transmittal  instructions  and a form of letter of
transmittal to each person who was, at the Effective Time, a holder of record of
Genetic Labs Common  Shares.  The  transmittal  instructions  will  describe the
procedures for surrendering  certificates  that prior to the Merger  represented
Genetic  Labs Common  Shares  ("Genetic  Labs  Certificates")  in  exchange  for
certificates  representing  shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock.  GENETIC LABS
SHAREHOLDERS  SHOULD NOT SUBMIT  THEIR  GENETIC LABS  CERTIFICATES  FOR EXCHANGE
UNLESS AND UNTIL THEY HAVE RECEIVED THE TRANSMITTAL  INSTRUCTIONS  AND A FORM OF
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL FROM THE EXCHANGE AGENT. See "The Merger-Exchange of Stock
Certificates"  and  "The  Merger-The  Merger   Agreement-Conversion  of  Shares;
Exchange Ratio."

Conditions to the Merger

     The  respective  obligations of Derma  Sciences,  Derma Merging and Genetic
Labs to consummate  the Merger are subject to the  fulfillment  or waiver (where
permissible) of certain  conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement.  See "The
Merger-The Merger Agreement-Conditions to Consummation of the Merger."

Termination

     The Merger  Agreement  is subject  to  termination  at the option of either
Derma  Sciences or Genetic Labs if the  Effective  Time has not occurred  before
December 31, 1998, and prior to such time upon the occurrence of certain events.
Under certain  circumstances,  if Derma Sciences or Genetic Labs  terminates the
Merger Agreement, one party will be required to pay the other party a fee in the
amount of up to $500,000. See "The Merger-The Merger  Agreement-Termination  and
Termination Fee."

Related Agreements

     On May 1, 1998,  Genetic Labs entered  into certain  Employment  Agreements
which, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Derma Sciences will guarantee. See "The
Merger-Related Agreements."

Recommendation of the Derma Sciences Board of Directors

     The Derma Sciences Board has approved the Merger Agreement and the issuance
of the Merger  Shares and  unanimously  recommends  that  shareholders  of Derma
Sciences  vote  FOR  approval  of such  issuance.  The  Derma  Sciences  Board's
recommendation  is based upon a number of factors  described in this Joint Proxy
Statement-Prospectus.  See "The  Merger-Derma  Sciences' Reasons for the Merger;
Recommendation of the Derma Sciences Board of Directors."

Recommendation of the Genetic Labs Board of Directors

     The Genetic Labs Board of Directors  has approved the Merger  Agreement and
unanimously  recommends  that  shareholders of Genetic Labs vote FOR approval of
the Merger Agreement.  The Genetic Labs' Board's  recommendation is based upon a
number of factors described in this Joint Proxy  Statement-Prospectus.  See "The
Merger-Genetic Labs' Reasons for the Merger;  Recommendation of the Genetic Labs
Board of Directors."

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger

     In considering the recommendation of the Genetic Labs Board with respect to
the  Merger  Agreement,  shareholders  should be aware that  certain  members of
Genetic Labs management and the Genetic Labs Board have certain interests in the
Merger that are in addition to the  interests  of  shareholders  of Genetic Labs
generally.  See "The Merger-Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."

                                       10

<PAGE>


Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger

     No ruling has been (or will be) sought from the Internal Revenue Service as
to the anticipated  federal income tax consequences of the Merger.  Consummation
of the  Merger is  conditioned  upon  receipt  of an opinion of Hedger & Hedger,
counsel  to Derma  Sciences,  to the effect  that,  based  upon  certain  facts,
representations and assumptions, for federal income tax purposes the Merger will
constitute a reorganization  under Section  368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended.  Genetic Labs  shareholders are urged to consult their
tax advisors as to the specific tax consequences to them of the Merger. See "The
Merger-Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger."

Accounting Treatment

        Derma  Sciences  intends to treat the Merger as a "pooling of interests"
for  accounting and financial  reporting  purposes.  See "The  Merger-Accounting
Treatment."

Resale Restrictions

     All shares of Derma Sciences  Common Stock received in connection  with the
Merger by shareholders of Genetic Labs will be freely  transferable  except that
shares of Derma  Sciences  Common Stock received by persons who are deemed to be
"affiliates"  (as such  term is  defined  for  purposes  of Rule 145  under  the
Securities  Act of 1933,  as amended) of Genetic Labs at the time of the Special
Meetings may be resold by such persons only in certain permitted  circumstances.
See "The Merger-Restrictions on Sales of Shares by Affiliates."

Dissenters' Rights

     Under the MBCA,  each holder of Genetic Labs Common Shares will be entitled
to object to the Merger and demand payment for such holder's Genetic Labs Common
Shares. See "The  Merger-Dissenters'  Rights" and Appendix B hereto.  Holders of
Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock are not  entitled  to object to the  Merger or to
demand payment for their shares under the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law.

           CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     This Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  contains  or  incorporates  by  reference
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act  and  Section  21E of the  Exchange  Act  that  are  subject  to  risks  and
uncertainties, including any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial
items, any statements of the plans,  strategies and objectives of management for
future operations,  any statements concerning proposed new products or services,
any statements  regarding  future  economic  conditions or  performance  and any
statement  of  assumptions   underlying  the  foregoing.   Such  forward-looking
statements may be contained in, among other places,  "The  Merger-Background  of
the  Merger,"  and "The  Merger-Reasons  for the Merger;  Recommendation  of the
Board."  Although Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs believe that the  expectations
reflected in such forward-looking  statements,  to the extent applicable to each
of them, are reasonable,  neither can give any assurance that such  expectations
will prove to be correct,  and actual results could differ materially from those
projected or assumed in the forward-looking  statements.  Important factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from  expectations  ("Cautionary
Statements")  are  disclosed  under "Risk  Factors" and  elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement-Prospectus,  including,  without  limitation,  in conjunction with the
forward-looking  statements  included  herein.  All subsequent  written and oral
forward-looking  statements  attributable  to Derma  Sciences,  Genetic  Labs or
persons acting on their behalf are expressly  qualified in their entirety by the
Cautionary Statements.

          COMPARATIVE HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA COMBINED PER SHARE DATA

     The following table sets forth certain historical per common share data for
Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs and unaudited pro forma and equivalent pro forma
per common share data.  Earnings  (loss) per common share are presented for: (1)
each of the  years  ended  December  31,  1996  and  1997  (in the case of Derma
Sciences) and December 31, 1997 and May 31, 1997 (in the case of Genetic  Labs),
and (2) the  calendar  quarter  ended March 31,  1998.  No cash  dividends  were
declared by Derma  Sciences or Genetic Labs during the periods  presented.  This
data should be read in conjunction with the condensed financial data and the pro
forma  financial  data  included  in  this  Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  and the
separate financial  statements of Derma Sciences and the financial statements of

                                       11

<PAGE>


Genetic  Labs and the notes  thereto  incorporated  by  reference  in this Proxy
Statement-Prospectus.   The  pro  forma   financial  data  are  not  necessarily
indicative  of the  operating  results  or  financial  position  that would have
occurred had the Merger been consummated at the beginning of the earliest period
presented and should not be construed as indicative of future operations.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               DERMA                                 DERMA           GENETIC LABS-
                                             SCIENCES-           GENETIC LABS-      SCIENCES-         EQUIVALENT
                                           HISTORICAL(1)(2)    HISTORICAL(1)(2)   PRO FORMA(3)       PRO FORMA(4)
                                           ----------------    ----------------   ------------       ------------

Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Basic
   And Diluted):
<S>                                            <C>                 <C>               <C>                 <C>
   For the years ended December 31,
      1996 and May 31, 1997                    $(0.35)             $0.05             $(0.23)             $(0.16)
   For the twelve months ended
December 31, 1997 (unaudited)                  $(0.58)             $0.05             $(0.39)             $(0.27)
   For the three months ended
      March 31, 1998 (unaudited)               $ 0.01              $0.01             $ 0.01              $ 0.01

Book Value Per Common Share:

   March 31, 1998 (unaudited)                  $ 0.48              $0.52             $ 0.55              $ 0.39
</TABLE>
___________________
(1)  Historical  earnings per common  share are based upon the weighted  average
     number of common shares outstanding for each period indicated.
(2)  Historical  book values per common  share are  computed by dividing  common
     shareholders' equity by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at
     the end of each period indicated.
(3)  Unaudited  pro forma  earnings per common share are based upon the weighted
     average number of common shares outstanding for each period indicated.
(4)  Unaudited  equivalent  pro forma per common  share data are  calculated  by
     multiplying  the  unaudited pro forma per common share data by the Exchange
     Ratio of 0.7.

                                  RISK FACTORS

     As a result  of the  Merger,  shareholders  of  Genetic  Labs  will  become
shareholders of Derma Sciences.  Genetic Labs shareholders  should be aware that
ownership of Derma Sciences Common Stock involves certain risks, including those
described below, which could adversely affect the value of their holdings. Derma
Sciences  does not make,  nor has it  authorized  any other person to make,  any
representation about the future market value of its Common Stock. In addition to
the other information  contained in this Joint Proxy  Statement-Prospectus,  the
appendices  hereto and the documents  incorporated  by reference,  the following
risk factors  should be  considered  carefully  in  evaluating  the Merger.  The
following  factors should also be considered  carefully by the  shareholders  of
Derma  Sciences in  determining  whether to vote in favor of the issuance of the
Merger Shares.

     No Dividends.  Derma Sciences has not paid any cash dividends on its Common
Stock to date. Payment of dividends on the Common Stock is within the discretion
of the Board of  Directors  and will depend  upon the  Company's  earnings,  its
capital requirements and financial condition,  and other relevant factors. Derma
Sciences  does not  intend  to  declare  dividends  on its  Common  Stock in the
foreseeable future.

     Outstanding  Options and  Warrants.  Derma  Sciences has issued  options to
purchase  its  Common  Stock to  current  and  former  members  of its  board of
directors,   current  and  former   executive   officers  and  certain   outside
consultants. Presently, options to purchase 1,191,000 shares of Common Stock, at
per share exercise  prices ranging from $.80 to $2.50,  are  outstanding.  Derma
Sciences has warrants to purchase its Common Stock  outstanding in the amount of
2,300,000  shares  exercisable  at prices ranging from $0.80 to $1.00 per share.
The  exercise of these  options  and  warrants  would have a dilutive  effect on
ownership  interests of existing  shareholders as well as shareholders from this
Merger.

                                       12

<PAGE>


     Possible  Volatility of Securities  Prices.  The market price of the Common
Stock has in the past been,  and may in the  future  continue  to be,  volatile.
Because  the  Exchange  Ratio is fixed,  a change in the  market  price of Derma
Sciences  Common  Stock  before  the Merger  will  affect the value of the Derma
Sciences  Common  Stock to be  received  in the  Merger.  A variety  of  events,
including quarter to quarter variations in operating results, news announcements
or the  introduction  of new products by Derma Sciences or its  competitors,  as
well as market  conditions  in the wound care  industry  or changes in  earnings
estimates by securities analysts, may cause the market price of the Common Stock
to fluctuate  significantly.  In addition,  the stock market in recent years has
experienced significant price and volume fluctuations which have affected market
prices  of  equity  securities  of many  companies  and  which  often  have been
unrelated  to  the  operating  performance  of  such  companies.   These  market
fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Common Stock.

     Absence of Historical  Profitability;  Recent Losses;  Accumulated Deficit.
Derma  Sciences had limited  profitability  in the years ended December 31, 1994
and 1995 and  incurred  losses in the years ended  December 31, 1996 and 1997 of
$1,436,265 and $2,416,244,  respectively.  Derma Sciences reported net income in
the  quarter  ended  March 31,  1998 of  $59,497  (unaudited).  Derma  Sciences'
revenues are derived solely from sales of its wound care  products.  Inasmuch as
Derma  Sciences will continue to have a high level of operating  expense,  Derma
Sciences' ability to achieve future  profitability  will depend upon its ability
to attain  corresponding  increases in  revenues.  Derma  Sciences'  accumulated
deficit at March 31, 1998 was $4,021,356.

     Quarterly  Fluctuations.  Derma Sciences'  quarterly revenues and operating
results have varied  significantly  in the past and may continue to do so in the
future.  In particular,  Derma  Sciences'  distributors  and other customers may
purchase several months of inventory at one time which may cause fluctuations in
quarterly  revenues.  Future  revenues and operating  results may also fluctuate
significantly from quarter to quarter and will depend upon, among other factors:
(i) demand for Derma Sciences'  products and new product  introductions by Derma
Sciences or its  competitors or transitions to new products,  (ii) the timing of
orders and shipments, (iii) the mix of sales between products, (iv) competition,
including  pricing  pressures,  (v) the  timing of  regulatory  and  third-party
reimbursement  approvals,  and (vi)  the  timing  of  research  and  development
expenditures.  Accordingly,  period-to-period  comparisons  of  Derma  Sciences'
revenues and  operating  results  should not be relied upon as an  indication of
future performance and the results of any quarterly period may not be indicative
or results to be expected for a full year.

     Restructuring  of  Distribution  System.  Derma  Sciences is engaged in the
restructuring  of its product  distribution  system pursuant to which certain of
Derma Sciences' former master distributors will be supplemented or replaced by a
direct sales force  employed by Derma  Sciences.  There can be no assurance that
Derma  Sciences  will be able to continue to  successfully  expand its sales and
marketing  staff,  that such an  expanded  sales  and  marketing  staff  will be
cost-effective,  or that Derma  Sciences'  increased  direct sales and marketing
efforts will be  successful.  Derma  Sciences  also sells its  products  through
international  distributors of medical products.  There can be no assurance that
Derma  Sciences or its  distributors  will be successful in marketing or selling
Derma Sciences' products.

     Ability to Renew  Present  Financing.  Derma  Sciences has a line of credit
arrangement  with PNC Bank (the "Bank") in a maximum  amount of $800,000.  As of
the date hereof, Derma Sciences has borrowed $689,000 under this line of credit.
The line of credit  matured  May 31,  1998 and Derma  Sciences  and the Bank are
currently  negotiating  renewal of the line of credit.  Although in the past the
Bank has renewed Derma  Sciences' line of credit upon maturity,  there can be no
assurance that it will continue to do so. If the Bank does not renew the line of
credit,  there can be no assurance  that Derma  Sciences will be able to arrange
alternative financing on terms satisfactory to it.

     Government Regulation and Product Approval. The development,  manufacturing
and  marketing  of Derma  Sciences'  and Genetic  Labs'  products are subject to
extensive and rigorous  regulation by numerous  governmental  authorities in the
United  States and other  countries.  The marketing and sale of products may not
take place in the United States absent compliance with applicable regulations of
the United States Food and Drug Administration  ("FDA").  The manufacture of the
products must be in  accordance  with  standards  set by the Good  Manufacturing
Practice ("GMP") regulations.

     In the future,  government regulations may be promulgated which could delay
regulatory  approval of Derma  Sciences'  and Genetic  Labs'  products.  Adverse
governmental   regulation   which  might  arise  from  future   legislative   or
administrative  action  cannot  be  predicted.  There can be no  assurance  that
additional  products  developed  by Derma  Sciences  and  Genetic  Labs  will be
determined  to be safe  and  efficacious  or meet  other  applicable  regulatory

                                       13

<PAGE>


standards.  Even if such approvals are obtained,  post-market  evaluation of the
products,  if required,  could result in  suspension or limitation of approvals.
Delays in  obtaining  U.S.  or  foreign  approvals  could  adversely  affect the
marketing of Derma Sciences' and Genetic Labs' products.

     Declining  Sales and Dependence on a Single Product Line.  Derma  Sciences'
revenues are  principally  derived from the sale of its wound care products.  If
the  market for wound  care  products  were to  decline  for any  reason,  Derma
Sciences'  results of operations  would be adversely  affected.  Derma Sciences'
sales declined in 1996 by $1,166,647,  or 20%, to $4,557,931  from $5,724,578 in
1995. Sales for 1997 declined by $547,783, or 12%, to $4,010,148. Although sales
increased  $997,813,  or 133%, in the first  quarter,  1998 to  $1,749,546  from
$751,733 in the first quarter,  1997,  there can be no assurance that this trend
will continue.

     Healthcare Reimbursement. Derma Sciences' and Genetic Labs' ability to sell
their  products  in  certain  areas  depends  in part upon the extent to which a
consumer  is able to  obtain  reimbursement  for the  cost of  these  companies'
products from  government  health  administration  authorities,  private  health
coverage insurers and other  organizations.  Uncertainty exists as to the future
reimbursement status of healthcare products such as those sold by Derma Sciences
and Genetic Labs.

     Government   and  other  third  party  payors  are  attempting  to  contain
healthcare  costs by limiting both coverage and the level of  reimbursement  for
healthcare products.  Whereas federal and state governments,  as well as private
insurers,  will  continue to pursue  programs  designed to control or reduce the
cost of health care, there can be no assurance as to whether, or to what extent,
reimbursements  for Derma  Sciences' and Genetic Labs' products will continue to
be available.

     Patents and Proprietary Technology.  Derma Sciences has been awarded a U.S.
patent and several foreign patents  relative to its Dermagran  Spray,  Dermagran
Ointment,  Dermagran II  Moisturizing  Spray and Dermagran II Ointment.  Genetic
Labs has been awarded patents on Suture Strip(R) in the United States and United
Kingdom and NG Strip(R),  Cath-Strip(R),  and UC Strip(R) products in the United
States.  The  Genetic  Labs  patents  begin to  expire in the year  2005.  Derma
Sciences'  and Genetic  Labs'  success may depend,  in part, on their ability to
obtain additional patents,  maintain trade secret protection and operate without
infringing on the proprietary rights of third parties. There can be no assurance
that Derma Sciences or Genetic Labs will develop additional proprietary products
that  are  patentable,  that any  patents  issued  to  either  company  or their
licensors  will provide  Derma  Sciences  and Genetic Labs with any  competitive
advantages or will not be challenged  by third  parties,  or that the patents of
others  will not have an adverse  effect on the  ability of Derma  Sciences  and
Genetic Labs to do business.  Furthermore, there can be no assurance that others
will  not  independently  develop  similar  products,  duplicate  any  of  Derma
Sciences'  or Genetic  Labs'  products or design  around the  patented  products
developed by Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs. As such, investors should not rely
upon patent  protection  to afford Derma  Sciences or Genetic Labs a significant
competitive advantage in marketing their products.

     Dependence on Third Party Manufacturers. Neither Derma Sciences nor Genetic
Labs have the  capability to  manufacture  products and do not intend to develop
such  capabilities  in the foreseeable  future.  Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs
believe  that  there are  numerous  available  manufacturers  for its  products.
However, if Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs are unable to obtain or retain third
party  manufacturing on commercially  acceptable  terms,  they may be delayed in
their  ability to  commercialize  products  or may not be able to  commercialize
products as planned.  The dependence  upon third parties for the  manufacture of
products may adversely affect these companies'  profit margins and their ability
to develop and deliver products on a timely and competitive basis.

     Genetic  Labs'  Dependence  on  Single  Customer.   One  of  Genetic  Labs'
distributors  accounted for more than 10% of its net sales for the 1997 and 1998
fiscal years.  Genetic Labs believes its  relationship  with this distributor is
strong.  Genetic Labs' customer base remained  relatively constant during fiscal
year  1998.  Genetic  Labs  has  developed   relationships  with  several  large
distributors  of medical  products in the hospital,  clinic,  and long term care
markets, and continues to work on strengthening these relationships.  Currently,
many distributors in the marketplace are consolidating. Genetic Labs' sales have
not been affected negatively by this consolidation activity.

     Technological  Change and  Competition.  Derma  Sciences  and Genetic  Labs
operate  in a  rapidly  evolving  field and new  developments  are  expected  to
continue at a rapid pace. Derma Sciences'  competition via large  pharmaceutical
companies,  biotechnology  companies,  joint  ventures,  research  and  academic
institutions  and  others  is  intense  and may  increase.  Genetic  Labs'  main
competitor is 3M Corporation.  Currently,  3M Corporation owns approximately 90%

                                       14

<PAGE>


of the market share for pressure sensitive  adhesive wound closure strips.  Many
of the companies and institutions in competition with Derma Sciences and Genetic
Labs have  substantially  greater  capital  resources,  research and development
staffs and  facilities  than Derma  Sciences and Genetic Labs and  substantially
greater  experience  in obtaining  regulatory  approvals and  manufacturing  and
marketing  products.  The  activities of these  entities  represent  significant
long-term  competition  for  Derma  Sciences  and  Genetic  Labs.  In  addition,
competitors  may succeed in developing  technologies  and products that are more
effective  than any that are being  developed by Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs
or that would otherwise render these companies' technology and products obsolete
or noncompetitive.

     Attraction and Retention of Key Personnel.  The future  performance of both
Derma  Sciences  and  Genetic  Labs  depends  in  significant  measure  upon the
continued  service of its senior  management and upon its ability to attract and
retain highly skilled managerial,  marketing and sales personnel. Derma Sciences
and Genetic Labs face  competition  for such personnel  from other  companies in
their  industry,  research and academic  institutions,  government  entities and
other  organizations.  By  virtue of these  companies'  small  size and  limited
resources  relative  to other  companies  in their  industries,  there can be no
assurance  that Derma  Sciences  and  Genetic  Labs will  continue to be able to
attract and retain the personnel required to achieve profitability and growth.

     Acquisitions, Business Combinations and Strategic Alliances. Derma Sciences
has sought to expand its business through, among other strategies, acquisitions,
business combinations and strategic alliances.  Derma Sciences believes that its
customers  will in the future demand that Derma  Sciences  offer a more complete
product line relative to wound care. Derma Sciences  believes that in many cases
the most  efficient  means to add to its product line is to acquire,  develop or
license  such  products via  acquisitions,  business  combinations  or strategic
alliances with other companies.

     Derma Sciences  continuously  evaluates and considers  other  businesses of
varying sizes as potential strategic partners and candidates for acquisition and
has  engaged in  discussions  with  certain  businesses  in pursuit of  possible
transactions. Certain of these businesses may be substantial in size compared to
Derma   Sciences.   Except  as   otherwise   disclosed   in  this  Joint   Proxy
Statement-Prospectus,  there are  currently  no  understandings,  agreements  or
commitments with respect to any acquisition,  business  combination or strategic
alliance.  Moreover,  there can be no assurance  that Derma  Sciences will enter
into any such  transaction  or, if Derma  Sciences does identify and  consummate
such a transaction,  that the transaction  will enable Derma Sciences to achieve
its goals.

     Competition for suitable acquisitions,  business combinations and strategic
alliances and the cost of these transactions have recently been increasing.  The
future  availability of desirable  prospects for these transactions in the wound
care industry is uncertain. In addition, assuming that Derma Sciences is able to
identify appropriate transaction prospects,  the execution and implementation of
acquisitions,   business   combinations  and  strategic   alliances  involves  a
significant  time  commitment  from  senior  management  and can result in large
restructuring costs. There can be no assurance that suitable  opportunities will
be identified,  that transactions can be consummated or that assets,  businesses
or relationships  acquired in such  transactions can be integrated  successfully
into Derma Sciences' operations.

     Product Liability;  Insurance.  The commercial sale of pharmaceuticals  may
expose Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs to liability  claims  incident to alleged
adverse effects caused by these products. These claims might be made directly by
consumers,  distributors,  wholesalers,  dealers or others selling the products.
Derma Sciences has obtained  $1,000,000 per  occurrence,  $2,000,000  aggregate,
product  liability   insurance.   Genetic  Labs  has  obtained   $2,000,000  per
occurrence,  $2,000,000  aggregate,  product liability insurance.  However, such
coverage is  becoming  increasingly  expensive  and there is no  assurance  that
liability  insurance will continue to be available at a reasonable  cost or that
such insurance is, or will be, sufficient to cover claims.

     Integration of Acquired Business;  Management of Growth. The integration of
the  operations  of Derma  Sciences and Genetic Labs  following  the Merger will
require the dedication of management  resources which will  temporarily  detract
from  attention  to  the  day-to-day  business  of  the  combined  company.  The
combination of the two companies will also require integration of the companies'
product  offerings and the  coordination  of their research and  development and
sales and marketing  efforts.  The difficulties of assimilation,  in particular,
the  possible  loss of key  personnel,  may be  increased  by the  necessity  of
coordinating geographically separated organizations,  integrating personnel with
disparate business  backgrounds and combining two different  corporate cultures.
The process of combining the two  organizations may cause an interruption of, or
a loss of  momentum  in,  the  activities  of either  or both of the  companies'
businesses,  which could have an adverse  effect on the revenues  and  operating

                                       15

<PAGE>


results of the  combined  company,  at least in the near  term.  There can be no
assurance that the combined  entity will be able to retain its key technical and
management  personnel or that the combined  entity will realize any of the other
anticipated  benefits of the Merger.  Both Derma  Sciences and Genetic Labs have
experienced  periods of growth.  The  combined  company's  ability to manage its
growth  effectively  will  require it to continue  to improve  its  operational,
financial  and  information  management  systems and  controls,  and to attract,
retain,  motivate and manage employees effectively.  The failure of the combined
company to manage  growth in multiple  areas of its business  effectively  would
have a material adverse effect on its results of operations.

                               RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

SETTLEMENT OF ABS LIFESCIENCES, INC. LITIGATION

     On June 8, 1998 Derma Sciences and ABS LifeSciences, Inc. ("ABS") agreed to
a settlement of their respective claims and counter claims asserted in the civil
action ABS  LifeSciences,  Inc. v. Derma  Sciences,  Inc.  (the  "Action").  The
settlement  provides  that Derma  Sciences  pay to ABS a total of  $550,000  and
return to ABS all unsold Chronicure inventory. The Action will be dismissed with
prejudice.  Derma Sciences anticipates taking a charge of approximately $750,000
(unaudited) against second quarter, 1998 earnings as a result of the settlement.
For further details relative to this settlement, please refer to Derma Sciences'
Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 10, 1998.

COMPLETION OF CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES OFFERING

     Derma  Sciences on July 8, 1998 closed a private  placement of  convertible
securities  ("Securities") in which an aggregate of $4 million was raised. Terms
of the Securities require that upon approval of the Derma Sciences' shareholders
of a new class of Series B Convertible Preferred Shares ("Preferred Stock"), the
Securities  will  automatically  convert  into units  ("Unit(s)"),  as hereafter
defined,  at the rate of $1.20 per Unit.  Each Unit will consist of one share of
Preferred  Stock  convertible  into one  share of Common  Stock and one  warrant
("Warrant(s)")  to purchase one share of Common Stock  exercisable  at $1.35 per
share.  Derma Sciences expects to seek shareholder  approval for creation of the
Preferred  Stock at a special  meeting of  shareholders  which is anticipated to
occur in August, 1998. For further information,  please refer to Derma Sciences'
Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 9, 1998.

SUNSHINE PRODUCTS, INC. PURCHASE

     Derma Sciences,  on July 13, 1998,  announced the execution of a nonbinding
letter of intent to purchase all of the issued and outstanding  capital stock of
Sunshine  Products,  Inc.  ("Sunshine")  for $1.2 million in cash.  In addition,
Derma Sciences would grant to Sunshine  stockholders options to purchase a total
of 75,000 shares of Derma Sciences'  common stock at the market value thereof on
the grant date and would satisfy Sunshine's  indebtedness to its stockholders in
the aggregate amount of approximately $25,000. Among other items, closing of the
purchase is conditioned upon: (1) release of Sunshine stockholders from personal
guarantees of Sunshine  corporate loans, (2) execution of mutually  satisfactory
executive  employment   agreements  between  Sunshine   stockholders  and  Derma
Sciences,  (3)  execution of a definitive  purchase  agreement,  (4)  successful
completion of due  diligence  examinations  by Derma  Sciences,  (5)  successful
completion of audits of the financial  statements of Sunshine,  and (6) approval
of the purchase by the board of directors of Derma Sciences.

     Sunshine is a manufacturer  and marketer of general purpose and specialized
skincare  products  for  hospitals,   nursing  homes  and  other   institutional
facilities.  Sunshine also  manufactures  private label  cosmetic,  skincare and
specialty  products in  accordance  with customer  specifications.  The Sunshine
product line includes body washes,  shampoos,  an  incontinent  wash, a moisture
barrier ointment,  skin moisturizers and lotions,  over-the-counter  hand washes
and sanitizers and a hard surface disinfectant.  Unaudited Sunshine revenues and
net loss for calendar years 1995 through 1997 were as follows:

                         1995                  1996                  1997
                         ----                  ----                  ----

          Revenues    $2,325,338            $2,435,212            $2,839,794
          Net Loss    $  (28,443)           $  (19,908)           $   (6,286)


                                       16

<PAGE>


      There can be no assurance that Derma Sciences will be able to complete the
acquisition and successfully integrate Sunshine's operations with those of Derma
Sciences. For further information, please refer to Derma Sciences Current Report
on Form 8-K filed July 13, 1998.

                       THE DERMA SCIENCES SPECIAL MEETING

DATE, TIME AND PLACE

     The  special  meeting of the  shareholders  of Derma  Sciences  (the "Derma
Sciences  Special  Meeting") is scheduled to be held on September  25, 1998,  at
10:00 a.m.  local time, at the offices of Derma  Sciences  located in Princeton,
New Jersey.

PURPOSE OF THE DERMA SCIENCES SPECIAL MEETING

     At the Derma Sciences Special  Meeting,  the shareholders of Derma Sciences
will be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the issuance of up
to 1,683,000 shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock in the Merger (such shares or
any portion thereof are referred to herein as the "Merger Shares").  In addition
to the  proposal  regarding  the  issuance  of the Merger  Shares,  at the Derma
Sciences  Special  Meeting,  shareholders  of  Derma  Sciences  will be asked to
consider and vote upon proposals to amend the Derma Sciences,  Inc. Stock Option
Plan (the  "Plan") to  increase  the number of shares of Derma  Sciences  Common
Stock  authorized  to be issued under the Plan from 450,000 to 1,500,000  and to
allow, officers,  directors,  employees,  associates consultants and advisors of
Derma Sciences' subsidiaries to participate in the Plan.

RECORD DATE

     The Board of  Directors  of Derma  Sciences  (the "Derma  Sciences  Board")
anticipates  fixing the close of  business on August 14, 1998 as the record date
(the "Derma  Sciences  Record Date") for the  determination  of holders of Derma
Sciences  Common Stock  entitled to notice of and to vote at the Derma  Sciences
Special Meeting.  As of the Derma Sciences Record Date, there are expected to be
issued and outstanding  4,567,632  shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock held by
approximately  1,000 holders of record assuming no exercises of stock options or
warrants or conversions of newly issued convertible securities.

REQUIRED VOTE

     The  representation  in  person or by proxy of at least a  majority  of the
votes  represented by the outstanding  shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock and
Preferred  Stock  entitled to be cast at the Derma Sciences  Special  Meeting is
necessary to establish a quorum for the transaction of business. Abstentions and
broker  non-votes  will be counted as present or  represented  for  purposes  of
determining  whether a quorum is  present on any  matter.  The  approval  of the
issuance of shares of Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock in the Merger  requires the
affirmative  vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Derma Sciences  Special
Meeting  by the  holders  of the  shares  of Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock  and
Preferred Stock.

     Holders of record of Derma Sciences Common Stock and Preferred Stock on the
Derma Sciences  Record Date are entitled to cast one vote on each proposal to be
presented  to  shareholders  of Derma  Sciences  at the Derma  Sciences  Special
Meeting.

     As of June 30, 1998, directors and executive officers of Derma Sciences and
their affiliates had the right to cast votes representing approximately 19.1% of
all votes  represented  by the issued and  outstanding  shares of Derma Sciences
Common Stock and Preferred Stock.  Such persons have indicated to Derma Sciences
that they intend to cast all of such votes in favor of the Merger.

PROXIES

     All shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock and Preferred  Stock  represented
by properly  executed proxies received prior to or at the Derma Sciences Special
Meeting  and not  revoked  will be voted  in  accordance  with the  instructions
indicated therein. Properly executed proxies (or voting directions) which do not

                                       17

<PAGE>


contain  voting  instructions  will be voted FOR approval of the issuance of the
Merger  Shares and FOR approval of the amendment  and  restatement  of the Plan.
Shareholders are urged to mark the box on the proxy to indicate how their shares
are to be voted.

     If an executed proxy (or voting directions) is returned and the shareholder
has  abstained  from  voting  on a  matter  listed  on  the  proxy,  the  shares
represented by such proxy (or voting  directions) will be considered  present at
the meeting for purposes of determining a quorum and for purposes of calculating
the vote,  but will not be considered to have been voted in favor of approval of
such matter. If an executed proxy (or voting directions) is returned by a broker
holding  shares of Derma  Sciences  Common Stock in street name which  indicates
that the broker does not have  discretionary  authority as to certain  shares to
vote  on any  matter  (a  so-called  "broker  non-vote"),  such  shares  will be
considered  present at the meeting for purposes of determining the presence of a
quorum and of  calculating  the vote,  but will not be  considered  to have been
voted in favor of approval of such matter.

     It is not expected  that any matter other than that referred to herein will
be brought before the Derma Sciences Special Meeting. If, however, other matters
are properly  presented,  the persons  named as proxies will vote in  accordance
with their judgment with respect to such matters,  unless  authority to do so is
withheld  in the proxy.  Shares  represented  by  proxies  which have been voted
AGAINST  approval  of the  issuance  of the Merger  Shares  will not be voted in
respect of any motion made for adjournment of the Derma Sciences Special Meeting
for purposes of soliciting additional votes to approve such issuance.

     Any Derma Sciences  shareholder who executes and returns a proxy (or voting
directions)  may revoke such proxy (or voting  directions) at any time before it
is voted by: (i)  notifying in writing the  Secretary  of Derma  Sciences at 214
Carnegie  Center,  Suite 100,  Princeton,  New  Jersey  08540,  (ii)  granting a
subsequent proxy (or voting  directions) or (iii) appearing in person and voting
at the Derma Sciences Special Meeting.  Attendance at the Derma Sciences Special
Meeting will not in and of itself  constitute  revocation  of a proxy (or voting
directions).

     Of the  expenses  incurred in  connection  with the printing and mailing of
this Joint Proxy  Statement-Prospectus,  it is estimated that  approximately 75%
will be borne by Derma  Sciences  and 25% will be borne by Genetic  Labs.  Derma
Sciences has retained  StockTrans,  Inc.  ("StockTrans") at an estimated cost of
$2,500 plus reimbursement of expenses,  to assist in the solicitation of proxies
by mail.  Derma Sciences and StockTrans  will also request banks,  brokers,  and
other  intermediaries  holding shares  beneficially owned by others to send this
Joint Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  to and obtain  proxies  from such  beneficial
owners and will  reimburse  such  holders  for their  reasonable  expenses in so
doing.

AVAILABILITY OF ACCOUNTANTS

     Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP,  accountants to Derma Sciences,  will
be present at the Derma Sciences Special  Meeting,  will have the opportunity to
make a statement should they desire to do so and are expected to be available to
respond to appropriate questions.

                        THE GENETIC LABS SPECIAL MEETING

DATE, TIME AND PLACE

     The special meeting of the  shareholders of Genetic Labs (the "Genetic Labs
Special  Meeting") is scheduled to be held on September 25, 1998, at 10:00 a.m.,
local time, at the offices of Genetic Labs, St. Paul, Minnesota.

                                       18

<PAGE>



PURPOSE OF THE GENETIC LABS SPECIAL MEETING

     At the Genetic Labs Special Meeting,  the shareholders of Genetic Labs will
be asked to consider  and vote upon a proposal to approve the Merger  Agreement,
pursuant to which,  among other  things,  Derma Merging will merge with and into
Genetic  Labs and  Genetic  Labs  will  survive  the  Merger  as a wholly  owned
subsidiary of Derma  Sciences.  Upon the terms and subject to the  conditions of
the Merger Agreement,  at the effective time of the Merger,  among other things,
(i) each  issued and  outstanding  common  share,  par value $.01 per share,  of
Genetic  Labs  ("Genetic  Labs  Common  Shares")  (other than shares as to which
dissenters'  rights  have  been  duly  demanded  under  Minnesota  law)  will be
converted  into the right to receive 0.7 shares  (the  "Exchange  Ratio"),  with
fractional  shares rounded up to the next higher whole share,  of fully paid and
nonassessable  shares  of common  stock,  $.01 par  value  per  share,  of Derma
Sciences  Common  Stock,  and (ii) Derma  Merging  will be merged  with and into
Genetic  Labs,  with  Genetic  Labs  surviving  the  Merger  as a  wholly  owned
subsidiary  of Derma  Sciences.  The number of shares of Derma  Sciences  Common
Stock to be  received  by  shareholders  of Genetic  Labs in the Merger for each
Genetic Labs Common Share held by them is approximately  1,683,000.  The closing
price per share of Derma Sciences  Common Stock on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market on
July 15, 1998 (the last full trading day for which closing prices were available
at the time of the printing of this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus) was $1.25.
The closing price per share of Genetic Labs Common Stock on the NASD  Electronic
Bulletin  Board  on July  15,  1998 was  $0.500.  As of the  date of this  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus,  Derma  Sciences  does  not own any  Genetic  Labs  Common
Shares.

RECORD DATE

     The  Board  of  Directors  of  Genetic  Labs  (the  "Genetic  Labs  Board")
anticipates  fixing the close of  business on August 14, 1998 as the record date
(the  "Genetic Labs Record  Date") for the  determination  of holders of Genetic
Labs Common Stock  entitled to notice of and to vote at the Genetic Labs Special
Meeting. As of the Genetic Labs Record Date, there are expected to be issued and
outstanding 2,404,150 shares of Genetic Labs Common Stock assuming no additional
options are exercised.

REQUIRED VOTE

     A majority of the  outstanding  Genetic Labs Common Shares entitled to vote
at the Genetic  Labs  Special  Meeting  must be present,  either in person or by
proxy to  constitute  a quorum at the Genetic Labs  Special  Meeting.  Under the
Minnesota  Business  Corporation Act (the "MBCA"),  the  affirmative  vote of at
least a majority of the Genetic Labs Common  Shares issued and  outstanding  and
entitled to vote at the Genetic Labs Special  Meeting is required to approve the
Merger Agreement.

     Since approval of the Merger  Agreement  requires the affirmative vote of a
majority of all  outstanding  Genetic  Labs Common  Shares,  whether or not such
Genetic  Labs  Common  Shares are voted at the  Genetic  Labs  Special  Meeting,
abstentions,  failures to vote and broker non-votes will have the same effect as
votes  against  approval of the Merger  Agreement  for  purposes of  determining
whether the requisite majority has been obtained.

     As of the Genetic Labs Record Date,  directors  and  executive  officers of
Genetic Labs and their affiliates had the right to vote  approximately  37.5% of
all issued and  outstanding  Genetic Labs Common Shares  entitled to vote at the
Genetic Labs Special Meeting.

     A Genetic Labs  shareholder who has voted in favor of the Merger  Agreement
may be deemed to have ratified the terms of the Merger Agreement,  including the
fairness  thereof,  and,  accordingly,  may be precluded  from  challenging  the
fairness of the Merger  Agreement in a subsequent  legal  proceeding.  Moreover,
since  dissenters'  rights are  available  to  shareholders  of Genetic Labs who
comply with the Minnesota statutory provisions discussed below under the caption
"The Merger-Dissenters' Rights," the MBCA provides that a shareholder of Genetic
Labs (whether or not such shareholder votes for or against the Merger Agreement,
or fails to vote,  abstains or exercises  dissenters' rights with respect to the
Merger  Agreement) has no right at law or in equity to set aside the approval of
the Merger Agreement or the consummation of the Merger,  except if such approval
or consummation is fraudulent with respect to such  shareholder or Genetic Labs.
Accordingly,  Genetic  Labs may use a  shareholder's  vote with  respect  to the
Merger Agreement as a defense to a subsequent challenge to the Merger.

                                       19

<PAGE>


PROXIES

     All Genetic Labs Common Shares  represented  by properly  executed  proxies
received prior to or at the Genetic Labs Special Meeting and not revoked will be
voted in accordance with the  instructions  indicated in such proxies.  Properly
executed  proxies  which do not contain  voting  instructions  will be voted FOR
approval of the Merger Agreement.  Shareholders are urged to mark the box on the
proxy to indicate how their shares are to be voted.

     If an executed  proxy is returned and the  shareholder  has abstained  from
voting on  approval of the Merger  Agreement,  the  Genetic  Labs Common  Shares
represented by such proxy will be considered present at the meeting for purposes
of determining a quorum and for purposes of  calculating  the vote, but will not
be considered  to have been voted in favor of approval of the Merger  Agreement.
If an executed proxy is returned by a broker holding  Genetic Labs Common Shares
in street  name  which  indicates  that the broker  does not have  discretionary
authority  as to  certain  shares  to vote on any  matter (a  so-called  "broker
non-vote"),  such  shares  will not be  considered  present at the  meeting  for
purposes of determining the presence of a quorum and of calculating the vote and
will not be  considered  to have been voted in favor of  approval  of the Merger
Agreement.  Because  approval of the Merger  Agreement  requires the affirmative
vote of at least a  majority  of the  Genetic  Labs  Common  Shares  issued  and
outstanding  and  entitled  to  vote  at  the  Genetic  Labs  Special   Meeting,
abstentions  and broker  non-votes  will have the same effect as a vote  against
approval of the Merger Agreement.

     It is not expected  that any matter other than that referred to herein will
be brought before the Genetic Labs Special Meeting.  If, however,  other matters
are properly  presented,  the persons  named as proxies will vote in  accordance
with their judgment with respect to such matters,  unless  authority to do so is
withheld  in the proxy.  Shares  represented  by  proxies  which have been voted
AGAINST  approval  of the Merger  Agreement  will not be voted in respect of any
motion made for  adjournment of the Genetic Labs Special Meeting for purposes of
soliciting additional votes to approve the Merger Agreement.

     Any Genetic  Labs  shareholder  who executes and returns a proxy may revoke
such proxy at any time  before it is voted by:  (i)  notifying  in  writing  the
Secretary of Genetic Labs at 2726 Patton Road, St. Paul,  Minnesota  55113-1136,
(ii) granting a subsequent  proxy or (iii) appearing in person and voting at the
Genetic Labs Special  Meeting.  Attendance  at the Genetic Labs Special  Meeting
will not in and of itself constitute revocation of a proxy.

     The expenses  incurred in connection  with the printing and mailing of this
Joint Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  are expected to be borne approximately 75% by
Derma Sciences and 25% by Genetic Labs.

     Genetic Labs will request banks, brokers, and other intermediaries  holding
shares    beneficially    owned   by   others   to   send   this   Joint   Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  to and obtain proxies from such beneficial owners and will
reimburse such holders for their  reasonable  expenses in so doing. The original
solicitation of proxies by mail may be  supplemented by telephone,  telegram and
personal solicitation by officers and other regular employees of Genetic Labs.

AVAILABILITY OF ACCOUNTANTS

     Representatives  of McGladrey & Pullen,  LLP,  accountants to Genetic Labs,
will be present at the Genetic Labs Special  Meeting,  will have the opportunity
to make a statement should they desire to do so and are expected to be available
to respond to appropriate questions.

     GENETIC LABS  SHAREHOLDERS  SHOULD NOT SEND IN ANY STOCK  CERTIFICATES WITH
THEIR PROXIES.  A TRANSMITTAL FORM WITH  INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SURRENDER OF STOCK
CERTIFICATES  FOR  GENETIC  LABS  COMMON  SHARES  WILL  BE  MAILED  AS  SOON  AS
PRACTICABLE AFTER THE EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER.

                                   THE MERGER

     This  section of the Joint  Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  describes  certain
aspects of the proposed Merger,  including the Merger  Agreement.  To the extent
that it relates to the Merger  Agreement,  the  following  description  does not
purport to be complete  and is  qualified  in its  entirety by  reference to the
Merger  Agreement,  which  is  attached  as  Appendix  A  to  this  Joint  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  and is  incorporated  herein  by  reference.  While  Derma
Sciences  and Genetic Labs  believe  that such  description  covers the material

                                       20

<PAGE>


terms  of  the  Merger  Agreement,   all  shareholders  of  Derma  Sciences  and
shareholders  of  Genetic  Labs are urged to read the  Merger  Agreement  in its
entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER

     Derma  Sciences has  historically  sought to expand its  business  through,
among  other  strategies,   strategic   alliances,   acquisitions  and  business
combinations.   Derma  Sciences  continuously   evaluates  and  considers  other
businesses of varying sizes as potential  strategic  partners and candidates for
acquisition and has engaged in discussions with certain businesses in pursuit of
possible  transactions.  Hambrecht & Quist,  Derma Sciences'  financial advisor,
introduced Genetic Labs to Derma Sciences in mid March, 1998.

DERMA  SCIENCES'  REASONS FOR THE MERGER;  RECOMMENDATION  OF THE DERMA SCIENCES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     At its meeting on June 25,  1998,  the Derma  Sciences  Board of  Directors
("Derma Sciences Board")  determined that the Merger is in the best interests of
Derma  Sciences  and  its  shareholders,   approved  the  Merger  Agreement  and
determined to recommend to the Derma Sciences shareholders approval and adoption
of the Merger Agreement and issuance of the Merger Shares.  In so voting,  Derma
Sciences' directors  considered a variety of factors,  including the factors set
forth below.  The Derma Sciences Board did not assign relative  weights to these
factors.  Rather,  the  Derma  Sciences  Board  viewed  its  determinations  and
recommendations as being based on the totality of the information  presented and
considered by it.

     THE DERMA  SCIENCES BOARD HAS DETERMINED THE MERGER AND THE ISSUANCE OF THE
MERGER  SHARES  TO  BE  IN  THE  BEST   INTERESTS  OF  DERMA  SCIENCES  AND  ITS
SHAREHOLDERS.  ACCORDINGLY,  THE DERMA  SCIENCES  BOARD HAS  APPROVED THE MERGER
AGREEMENT AND THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH SHARES AND  UNANIMOUSLY  RECOMMENDS  THAT THE
SHAREHOLDERS  OF DERMA  SCIENCES VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE ISSUANCE OF THE MERGER
SHARES.

     The  emergence  of new  competitors  and  several  consolidations  in Derma
Sciences'  industry  contributed  to concern  over  whether  Derma  Sciences had
sufficient  resources to compete  effectively.  Derma Sciences believes that the
strategic  combination  between  itself and  Genetic  Labs would  create:  (i) a
stronger  wound care company with a broader  range of products;  (ii) a superior
distribution  system;  and (iii) a dynamic  combination of employees with proven
development talent.

     Potential  significant  revenue  enhancements  to the Merger  include:  (i)
increased sales of the combined  companies'  products through more  distribution
outlets;  (ii) an increased  customer base; (iii) product line  extensions;  and
(iv) increased  international  sales through  utilization of Derma Sciences' and
Genetic Labs' international presences.

     The anticipated substantial cost savings resulting from the Merger include:
(i) reduced cost of goods sold through stronger  purchasing  power; (ii) reduced
sales  and  marketing   expenses   through   reductions  in  overlapping   sales
organizations and marketing programs;  (iii) realization of economies of sale in
trade allowance  programs;  (iv)  consolidation of promotion costs and technical
support  costs;  and  (v)  lower  general  and   administrative   costs  through
elimination of overlapping cost structures and reduction of overhead.

     The Derma Sciences' management believes the Merger is in line with its goal
of implementing strategic acquisitions, thereby broadening its product lines and
increasing its revenue  streams.  Genetic Labs'  extensive line of wound closure
strips and specialty catheter  fasteners,  together with its recently introduced
wound irrigation  system,  represent  important  synergistic  additions to Derma
Sciences'  expanding  line of wound care  products.  In addition,  Genetic Labs'
well-developed  access to hospitals  and  alternate  care  facilities  and Derma
Sciences'  presence in the extended care and home healthcare markets is expected
to create a powerful combination.

     In reaching its  determination  with respect to the Merger and the issuance
of the Merger Shares,  the Derma Sciences Board considered a variety of factors,
although  it did not assign  any  relative  or  specific  weight to the  factors
considered.  The factors considered by the Derma Sciences Board included,  among
others, the following:

(1)  Lack of overlap in the Genetic Labs'  product mix with Derma  Sciences such
     as to  significantly  enhance  Derma  Sciences'  prospects of expanding its
     product offerings, growth and competitive position;

                                       21

<PAGE>


(2)  The  status of Genetic  Labs as an  established  company  with a history of
     consistent revenue growth and profitability;

(3)  Genetic  Labs'  high  quality   proprietary   products   with   established
     distribution  outlets  that,  once  integrated  with  Derma  Sciences,  are
     expected to enhance the potential for further revenue growth;

(4)  The expectation of significant revenue enhancements, cost savings and other
     synergistic   benefits  by  combining  Derma  Sciences  and  Genetic  Labs,
     including those revenue enhancements and cost savings described above;

(5)  Potential increases in revenues, cash flow, profits and shareholder value;

(6)  Genetic  Labs'  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations,   Derma
     Sciences'  competitive position in its business, as well as other financial
     information and general economic conditions;

(7)  The proposed  structure  of the  transaction  as a tax-free  reorganization
     accounted for under the "pooling of interests" method of accounting;

(8)  The prospective financial performance of Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs on
     a combined basis;

(9)  The possible alternatives to the Merger including, among others, continuing
     to operate Derma Sciences as an independent entity and the risks associated
     therewith; and

(10) A review with Derma  Sciences'  outside  counsel,  Hedger & Hedger,  of the
     terms of the Merger  Agreement,  including  the  circumstances  under which
     either Derma  Sciences or Genetic Labs can terminate  the Merger  Agreement
     (and the fees triggered  thereby) and the closing  conditions to the Merger
     contained therein.

     After careful  consideration of the foregoing factors and consultation with
its outside  financial and legal  advisors,  the Derma Sciences Board  concluded
that the Merger and the issuance of the Merger  Shares is in the best  interests
of Derma Sciences'  shareholders.  In considering  the foregoing  factors and in
reaching  such  conclusion,  the  Derma  Sciences  Board  also  considered:  (i)
knowledge of, and ongoing  review by, the Derma  Sciences  Board as to the wound
care market and the  opportunities and strategies for the future growth of Derma
Sciences;  and (ii) review by  management  of Derma  Sciences  of Genetic  Labs'
business, including its products, customers and employees, and the evaluation of
the potential  synergies  resulting  from the  combination of Derma Sciences and
Genetic Labs.

GENETIC LABS' REASONS FOR THE MERGER;  RECOMMENDATION  OF THE GENETIC LABS BOARD
OF DIRECTORS

     At its  meeting on June 26,  1998,  the  Genetic  Labs  Board of  Directors
determined  that the Merger is in the best  interests  of  Genetic  Labs and its
shareholders, approved the Merger Agreement and determined to recommend approval
and  adoption  of the  Merger  Agreement  and the  Merger  to the  Genetic  Labs
shareholders.  In so voting,  Genetic  Labs'  directors  considered a variety of
factors,  including the factors set forth below.  The Genetic Labs Board did not
assign relative weights to these factors.  Rather, the Genetic Labs Board viewed
its  determinations  and  recommendations  as being based on the totality of the
information presented and considered by it.

     The Genetic  Labs Board has  determined  that the Merger is fair to, and in
the best interests of, Genetic Labs and its  shareholders.  The Merger Agreement
was  negotiated  by the  directors  and  management  of  Genetic  Labs  with the
consultation and legal advice from the firm of Mackall,  Crounse & Moore PLC. In
reaching  its   determination,   the  Genetic  Lab  Board  considered,   without
limitation, the following:

(1)  The Merger affords  Genetic Labs  shareholders  the opportunity to continue
     equity  participation in a larger,  more diversified medical device company
     while  reducing  their  exposure  to the risks  inherent  in Genetic  Labs'
     dependence upon the market for wound closure  products and the difficulties
     of competing  against larger companies with more diversified  product lines
     and greater financial resources.

(2)  The Exchange Ratio presents Genetic Labs  shareholders with the possibility
     of  obtaining  a premium  for their  shares of Genetic  Labs  common  stock
     relative to the historic trading values of such common stock.

                                       22

<PAGE>


(3)  The liquidity of Genetic Labs shareholders' investment will be increased by
     exchanging  Genetic Labs stock,  which trades on the local over the counter
     market,  for Derma  Sciences  stock,  which  trades on the Nasdaq  SmallCap
     Market.

(4)  Genetic Labs will have increased  access to capital through Derma Sciences,
     a larger medical products company and its investment banking relationships.

(5)  Genetic Labs  shareholders  have the  opportunity  to  participate in rapid
     growth  through Derma  Sciences'  aggressive  growth  strategy of acquiring
     additional medical products and medical companies.

(6)  Genetic Labs will benefit from economic  synergies  expected to result from
     the Merger.

(7)  Given the limited  pre-conditions to consummation,  the Merger is likely to
     be consummated.

(8)  The Merger  will be  nontaxable  to the  shareholders  of Genetic  Labs for
     United States federal income tax purposes.

CLOSING; EFFECTIVE TIME

     The closing of the  transactions  contemplated by the Merger Agreement (the
"Closing") will take place on the day on which each of certain conditions to the
Merger (as defined  below) set forth in the Merger  Agreement  is  satisfied  or
waived, or on such other date and at such other time and place as Derma Sciences
and  Genetic  Labs shall  agree (the  "Closing  Date").  The Merger  will become
effective  upon the  filing of the  Articles  of Merger  with the  Office of the
Secretary of State of the State of  Minnesota as required by Minnesota  law (the
"Effective  Time").  Such filing will be made as soon as practicable on or after
the Closing Date.

FORM OF THE MERGER; MERGER CONSIDERATION

     At the Effective Time, among other things:  (i) each issued and outstanding
common share,  par value $.01 per share,  of Genetic Labs  ("Genetic Labs Common
Shares")  (other  than  shares  as to which  dissenters'  rights  have been duly
demanded  under  Minnesota  law) will be converted into the right to receive 0.7
shares (the "Exchange  Ratio"),  with  fractional  shares rounded up to the next
higher whole share,  of fully paid and  nonassessable  shares of Derma  Sciences
Common Stock,  and (ii) Derma Merging will be merged with and into Genetic Labs,
with Genetic Labs  surviving  the Merger as a wholly owned  subsidiary  of Derma
Sciences.

     A description of the relative  rights,  privileges  and  preferences of the
Derma Sciences Common Stock,  including certain material differences between the
rights of holders of Genetic Labs Common Shares and Derma Sciences Common Stock,
is set forth  under the  caption  "Comparison  of  Rights  of  Holders  of Derma
Sciences Common Stock and Genetic Labs Common Shares."

EXCHANGE OF STOCK CERTIFICATES

     As soon as  practicable  after the Effective  Time,  StockTrans,  Inc. (the
"Exchange  Agent") will mail  transmittal  instructions  and a form of letter of
transmittal to each person who was, at the Effective Time, a holder of record of
Genetic Labs Common  Shares.  The  transmittal  instructions  will  describe the
procedures  for  surrendering  certificates  which prior to the  Effective  Time
represented Genetic Labs Common Shares ("Genetic Labs Certificates") in exchange
for  certificates  representing  Derma  Sciences  Common Stock ("Derma  Sciences
Certificates").

     SHAREHOLDERS   OF  GENETIC  LABS  SHOULD  NOT  SUBMIT  THEIR  GENETIC  LABS
CERTIFICATES  FOR EXCHANGE  UNLESS AND UNTIL THEY HAVE RECEIVED THE  TRANSMITTAL
INSTRUCTIONS AND A FORM OF LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL FROM THE EXCHANGE AGENT.

     When a holder of Genetic  Labs Common  Shares  delivers  his or her Genetic
Labs Certificates to the Exchange Agent along with a properly executed letter of
transmittal  and any other required  documents,  such Genetic Labs  Certificates
will be canceled  and such  holder  will  receive  Derma  Sciences  Certificates
representing  the number of shares of Derma Sciences  Common Stock to which such
holder is entitled under the Merger Agreement. If any Derma Sciences Certificate
is to be issued in a name  other  than that in which the  corresponding  Genetic

                                       23

<PAGE>


Labs Certificate is registered, it is a condition to the exchange of the Genetic
Labs  Certificate  that the holder of such  certificate  comply with  applicable
transfer requirements and pay any applicable transfer or other taxes.

     Holders of Genetic  Labs Common  Shares will not be entitled to receive any
dividends or other  distributions  on the Derma Sciences  Common Stock until the
Merger  has been  consummated  and they  have  surrendered  their  Genetic  Labs
Certificates in exchange for Derma Sciences Certificates.  Subject to applicable
laws, such dividends and  distributions,  if any, which have a record date on or
after the Effective Time and a payment date prior to surrender will be paid upon
surrender of the shareholder's Genetic Labs Certificates, and such dividends and
distributions,  if any,  which have a record date on or after the Effective Time
and a payment date  subsequent to such surrender will be paid at the appropriate
payment date following surrender of the holder's Genetic Labs Certificates.

INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER

     In considering the recommendation of the Genetic Labs Board with respect to
the Merger and the Merger Agreement,  Genetic Labs shareholders  should be aware
that certain members of Genetic Labs' management and the Genetic Labs Board have
certain  interests  in the  Merger  that are in  addition  to the  interests  of
shareholders  of Genetic  Labs  generally.  The Genetic  Labs Board was aware of
these  interests and  considered  them,  among other  matters,  in approving the
Merger  and  the  Merger  Agreement.   As  of  the  date  of  this  Joint  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus, Genetic Labs' executive officers are as follows: Arthur A.
Beisang,  Chairman and Chief Executive  Officer;  H. James Thompson,  President;
Brian  Gardow,  Chief  Financial  Officer;  and Robert A. Ersek,  M.D.,  Medical
Director and Secretary. As of the date of this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus,
the  members  of the  Genetic  Labs  Board are as  follows:  Arthur A.  Beisang,
Chairman; John H. Olson; and Robert A. Ersek, M.D.

        Following the Merger,  Genetic Labs' executive  officers will be: Edward
J. Quilty, Chairman of the Board; Arthur A. Beisang, Chief Executive Officer; H.
James  Thompson,  President and Chief  Operating  Officer,  and Robert A. Ersek,
M.D., Medical Director. In addition,  the Board of Directors will be as follows:
Edward J. Quilty; Arthur A. Beisang and Robert A. Ersek, M.D.

Stock Options

     Genetic Labs has granted stock options  pursuant to its stock option plans.
Total  outstanding  options are 259,900 shares  ranging in exercise  prices from
$0.25 to $0.625 per share. The following executives hold options to purchase the
number of shares indicated:  Mr. Beisang - 27,000 shares;  Mr. Thompson - 80,000
shares;  Dr. Ersek - 39,000 shares;  Mr. Gardow - 20,000 shares; and Mr. Olson -
26,000 shares.

     Under the terms of the Merger  Agreement,  each  Genetic  Labs stock option
that is outstanding  immediately  prior to the Effective Time shall be converted
into an  option  (a "New  Option")  to  purchase  the  number of shares of Derma
Sciences  Common  Stock equal to the product of: (i) the number of Genetic  Labs
Common  Shares  subject to such  Genetic Labs stock option and (ii) the Exchange
Ratio,  at a per share  exercise price equal to (A) the per share exercise price
of such Genetic Labs stock option,  divided by (B) the Exchange Ratio. After the
Effective  Time,  each New Option shall be  exercisable  and shall vest upon the
same terms and conditions as were  applicable to the related  Genetic Labs stock
option immediately prior to the Effective Time.

                                       24

<PAGE>


Employment Agreements

     On May 1, 1998,  Genetic  Labs  entered  into  employment  agreements  with
Messrs.  Beisang,  Thompson and Ersek.  Each of the  agreements is for a term of
three years. Each agreement  provides for an annual  cost-of-living  increase in
the base salary. Additional compensation based on pre-tax profits of the Company
may be paid to executives determined by the Compensation  Committee of the Board
of Directors.

     The agreements of Messrs.  Beisang and Ersek provide that the executive may
terminate his employment upon the occurrence of any of the following events: (i)
a change in a majority  ownership  or control of Genetic  Labs which occurs as a
result of a merger, a sale of all or  substantially  all of Genetic Labs' assets
or the acquisition of a majority of Genetic Labs'  outstanding stock by a single
party or a group  acting in  concert;  (ii) any  attempted  termination  of such
individual's  employment  by  Genetic  Labs  prior to the  expiration  or not in
accordance  with any termination  event as set forth in the agreement;  or (iii)
any  material  diminution  of,  or any  adverse  change  occurs  in the terms or
conditions  of  such  individual's   employment  duties,   responsibilities   or
authority,  except  for any  isolated,  insubstantial,  inadvertent  matter  not
occurring in bad faith which is remedied by Genetic Labs within 30 days.  In the
event of such a termination by the individual covered by the agreement,  Genetic
Labs shall  immediately  pay to such individual  (without  discount or offset) a
severance payment equal to the gross base compensation otherwise payable to such
individual over the remaining term of the agreement.  Mr. Thompson's  employment
agreement does not provide for the foregoing severance payment.

     Mr.  Beisang,  Dr. Ersek and Mr. Thompson are paid an annual base salary of
$70,600, $32,000 and $99,600,  respectively. The agreements with Messrs. Beisang
and Ersek  provide  that each  executive  retains  the right to new  products or
patents  which the  executive  develops and contain a covenant not to compete by
the executive  during the  employment  period and for one year  thereafter.  For
further information relative to the aforedescribed  agreements,  please refer to
Genetic Labs' Current  Report on Form 8-K filed on July 14, 1998 which  document
is incorporated herein by reference.

     Pursuant to the Merger  Agreement,  Derma Sciences will  guarantee  Genetic
Labs' performance under the executive employment agreements described above.

Indemnification

     The Merger Agreement  provides that Derma Sciences shall indemnify,  defend
and hold  harmless  each person who is now, or has been at any time prior to the
date  hereof or becomes  prior to the  Effective  Time,  an  officer,  director,
employee  or agent of  Genetic  Labs (the  "Indemnified  Parties")  against  all
losses,   claims,   damages,   costs,   expenses  (including  attorney's  fees),
liabilities  or  judgments  or  amounts  that  are  paid  in  settlement  (which
settlement  shall require the prior  written  consent of Derma  Sciences,  which
consent shall not be unreasonably  withheld) of or in connection with any claim,
action,  suit,  proceeding or  investigation (a "Claim") in which an Indemnified
Party is, or is threatened to be made, a party or a witness based in whole or in
part on or  arising  in whole or in part out of the fact that such  person is or
was director,  officer, employee or agent of Genetic Labs if such Claim pertains
to any matter or fact  arising,  existing or  occurring on or prior to Effective
Time (including,  without  limitation,  the transactions  contemplated  hereby),
regardless  of whether  such Claim is asserted or claimed  prior to, at or after
the Effective Time  ("Indemnified  Liabilities") to the fullest extent permitted
by Derma  Sciences'  charter and bylaws and  applicable  Pennsylvania  law.  The
obligations of Derma Sciences  described in the Merger  Agreement shall continue
in full force and effect,  without any  amendment  thereto,  for a period of not
less than six (6) years from the Effective  Time;  provided,  however,  that all
rights to  indemnification  in respect of any Claim asserted or made within such
period shall  continue until the final  disposition of such Claim;  and provided
further  that  nothing  in this  Merger  Agreement  shall be  deemed  to  modify
applicable  Pennsylvania  law regarding  indemnification  of former officers and
directors.

     From and after the Effective Time, the directors, officers and employees of
Genetic Labs who become  directors,  officers or  employees  of Derma  Sciences,
Derma  Merging  or any other of Derma  Sciences'  subsidiaries  shall  also have
indemnification   rights   with   prospective   application.   The   prospective
indemnification rights shall consist of such rights to which directors, officers
and  employees  of Derma  Sciences  or Derma  Merging  are  entitled  under  the
provisions  of the  charter,  bylaws or  similar  governing  documents  of Derma
Sciences or Derma  Merging,  as in effect from time to time after the  Effective
Time, as applicable,  and provisions of applicable law as in effect from time to
time after the Effective Time.

                                       25

<PAGE>


CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER

     The following  summary,  based upon current law, is a general discussion of
certain federal income tax consequences of the Merger to Derma Sciences, Genetic
Labs  and  holders  of  Genetic  Labs  Common  Shares  assuming  the  Merger  is
consummated  as  contemplated  herein.  This  summary is based upon the Internal
Revenue  Code (the  "Code"),  applicable  Treasury  regulations  thereunder  and
administrative  rulings and judicial  authority  as of the date  hereof,  all of
which are subject to change,  possibly with retroactive  effect. Any such change
could affect the continuing  validity of this summary.  This summary  applies to
holders of Genetic Labs Common  Shares who hold their Genetic Labs Common Shares
as capital assets.  This summary does not discuss all aspects of income taxation
that may be relevant to a  particular  holder of Genetic  Labs Common  Shares in
light of such  holder's  specific  circumstances  or to certain types of holders
subject to special  treatment  under the federal  income tax laws (for  example,
foreign persons, dealers in securities,  banks and other financial institutions,
insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations,  and holders who acquired Genetic
Labs  Common  Shares  pursuant  to the  exercise  of  options  or  otherwise  as
compensation  or  through  a  tax-qualified  retirement  plan),  and it does not
discuss any aspect of state, local, foreign or other tax laws.

     No ruling has been (or will be) sought from the Internal Revenue Service as
to the anticipated tax consequences of the Merger.  Hedger & Hedger,  counsel to
Derma Sciences, has advised Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs that set forth below
are in its opinion the material  U.S.  federal  income tax  consequences  of the
Merger to Derma Sciences, Genetic Labs and holders of Genetic Labs Common Shares
assuming the Merger is consummated as  contemplated  herein.  HOLDERS OF GENETIC
LABS COMMON  SHARES  SHOULD  CONSULT  THEIR TAX  ADVISORS AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE MERGER,  INCLUDING THE  APPLICABILITY  AND EFFECT OF
FEDERAL,  STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX LAWS IN THEIR PARTICULAR
CIRCUMSTANCES.

The Merger

     It is a condition to the consummation of the Merger that Derma Sciences and
Genetic Labs receive an opinion of counsel from Hedger & Hedger that the Merger,
in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement,  of Derma Merging with and
into Genetic  Labs,  with Genetic  Labs  surviving  the Merger as a wholly owned
subsidiary  of Derma  Sciences,  will  constitute a  reorganization  for federal
income tax purposes within the meaning of Section  368(a)(1)(A) of the Code. The
opinion of Hedger & Hedger will be expressly  based upon the accuracy of certain
assumptions  and truth and  accuracy  of  certain  representations  made to such
counsel by Derma  Sciences,  Genetic  Labs and certain  holders of Genetic  Labs
Common  Shares  regarding,  among other  things,  the retention of a significant
continuing  equity  interest in Derma Sciences by the historic  shareholders  of
Genetic Labs and the retention by Genetic Labs of  substantially  all of its own
assets.  As a reorganization  for federal income tax purposes within the meaning
of Section  368(a)(1)(A)  of the Code,  the Merger will result in the  following
general federal income tax consequences:

(1)  Derma Sciences,  Genetic Labs and Derma Merging will not recognize any gain
     or loss as a result of the Merger.

(2)  No gain or loss will be recognized by holders of Genetic Labs Common Shares
     who exchange  their  Genetic Labs Common Shares for Derma  Sciences  Common
     Stock.

(3)  Each  holder's  aggregate  tax basis in the  Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock
     received  in the Merger will equal his  aggregate  tax basis in the Genetic
     Labs Common Shares exchanged therefor.

(4)  Provided that the Genetic Labs Common Shares are held as a capital asset at
     the  Effective  Time,  the holding  period of Derma  Sciences  Common Stock
     received in the Merger in exchange therefor will include the holding period
     of such Genetic Labs Common Shares.

                                       26

<PAGE>


Federal Income Tax Consequences to Dissenters

     The payment of cash to a holder of Genetic Labs Common Shares who exercises
dissenters'  rights  under the MBCA with respect to such shares will result in a
taxable  transaction to such holder. See "The  Merger-Dissenters'  Rights." Such
payment  will be treated as a  distribution  in  redemption  of the Genetic Labs
Common  Shares  with  respect to which  dissenters'  rights were  exercised  and
perfected  the  consequences  of which will be  determined  in  accordance  with
Section 302 of the Code.

     THE  DISCUSSION OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX  CONSEQUENCES  SET FORTH ABOVE IS FOR
GENERAL  INFORMATION  ONLY AND IS BASED ON  EXISTING  LAW AS OF THE DATE OF THIS
JOINT  PROXY  STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS.  SHAREHOLDERS  OF GENETIC  LABS ARE URGED TO
CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS TO DETERMINE THE PARTICULAR TAX  CONSEQUENCES TO THEM
OF THE MERGER (INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF FEDERAL,  STATE, LOCAL,
FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS).

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

     Derma Sciences  intends to treat the Merger as a "pooling of interests" for
accounting and financial reporting purposes.

REGULATORY FILINGS AND APPROVALS

     Neither  Derma   Sciences  nor  Genetic  Labs  is  aware  of  any  material
governmental  or regulatory  approval  required for  consummation  of the Merger
other than compliance  with applicable  securities law and certain filings under
the MBCA.

RESTRICTIONS ON SALE OF SHARES BY AFFILIATES

     The shares of Derma Sciences  Common Stock to be issued in connection  with
the Merger will have been registered  under the Securities Act. Such shares will
be freely  transferable  under  the  Securities  Act of 1933,  as  amended  (the
"Securities Act"), except for shares issued to any person who is deemed to be an
affiliate (as such term is defined for purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities
Act, an  "Affiliate")  of Genetic  Labs at the time of the Genetic  Labs Special
Meeting.  Persons who may be deemed to be  Affiliates  of Genetic  Labs  include
individuals  or entities that control,  are  controlled  by, or are under common
control  with  Genetic Labs and may include  certain  officers and  directors of
Genetic Labs as well as principal  shareholders of Genetic Labs.  Affiliates may
not sell their shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock acquired in connection with
the Merger except pursuant to: (i) an effective registration statement under the
Securities  Act covering the resale of such shares,  (ii)  paragraph (d) of Rule
145 under the Securities Act or (iii) any other  applicable  exemption under the
Securities  Act. The  registration  statement  filed by Derma Sciences under the
Securities  Act in  connection  with the  Merger,  of  which  this  Joint  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  forms a part, does not cover the resale of shares of Derma
Sciences  Common  Stock to be  received  by  affiliates  of Genetic  Labs in the
Merger.

     Pursuant to the Merger Agreement,  Genetic Labs has agreed that at least 30
days prior to the  Effective  Time,  Genetic  Labs will cause to be delivered to
Derma Sciences a letter  identifying all persons who are or will be, at the time
of the Genetic Labs Record Date,  Affiliates  of Genetic  Labs.  Genetic Labs is
obligated  under the Merger  Agreement to use reasonable best efforts to procure
written  agreements  ("Affiliate   Agreements")  from  such  persons  containing
appropriate representations and covenants intended to ensure compliance with the
Securities Act. Derma Sciences' obligations under the Merger Agreement to effect
the Merger are conditioned upon the receipt of an Affiliate  Agreement from each
Affiliate so identified by Genetic Labs.

QUOTATION OF DERMA SCIENCES COMMON STOCK ON THE NASDAQ SMALLCAP MARKET

     Derma Sciences has agreed to use its  reasonable  best efforts to cause the
Merger Shares to be listed for quotation on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market.

                                       27

<PAGE>


DISSENTERS' RIGHTS

     Sections  302A.471  and  302A.473 of the MBCA entitle any holder of Genetic
Labs Common Shares who objects to the Merger, in lieu of receiving the shares of
Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock to which he or she would  otherwise  be  entitled
pursuant to the Merger Agreement,  to dissent from the Merger and obtain payment
in cash for the "fair  value" of his or her  Genetic  Labs  Common  Shares.  ANY
SHAREHOLDER CONTEMPLATING THE EXERCISE OF THESE DISSENTERS' RIGHTS SHOULD REVIEW
CAREFULLY THE  PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS  302A.471 AND 302A.473 OF THE MBCA (A COPY
OF WHICH IS ATTACHED  AS  APPENDIX B TO THIS JOINT PROXY  STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS),
PARTICULARLY THE SPECIFIC PROCEDURAL STEPS REQUIRED TO PERFECT SUCH RIGHTS. SUCH
RIGHTS WILL BE LOST IF THE PROCEDURAL  REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION  302A.473 ARE NOT
FULLY AND PRECISELY SATISFIED.

     Set forth  below (to be read in  conjunction  with the full text of Section
302A.473 appearing in Appendix B to this Joint Proxy  Statement-Prospectus) is a
brief  description  of the  procedures  relating to the exercise of  dissenters'
rights. The following description does not purport to be a complete statement of
the provisions of Section 302A.473 and is qualified in its entirety by reference
thereto.

     Under Section  302A.473 of the MBCA,  if a corporation  calls a shareholder
meeting at which a plan of merger to which such  corporation is a party is to be
voted upon,  the notice of the meeting must inform each  shareholder of right to
dissent and must  include a copy of Sections  302A.471  and 302A.473 of the MBCA
and a brief description of the procedure to be the followed under such Sections.
This Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus constitutes such notice to shareholders of
Genetic Labs and the applicable statutory provisions of the MBCA are attached to
this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus as Appendix B.

     The Merger  Agreement  must be approved by the holders of a majority of the
outstanding Genetic Labs Common Stock.

     Under  Section  302A.473,  Subd.  3, a  shareholder  who wishes to exercise
dissenters' rights (a "Dissenter") must file with Genetic Labs (at Genetic Labs'
address, 2726 Patton Road, St. Paul, Minnesota 55113-1136,  Attention:  H. James
Thompson,  President), before the vote on the Merger, a written notice of intent
to demand  the "fair  value" of the  Genetic  Labs  Common  Shares  owned by the
shareholder.  IN ADDITION,  THE  SHAREHOLDER  MUST NOT VOTE HIS OR HER SHARES IN
FAVOR OF THE MERGER.  A VOTE  AGAINST  THE MERGER WILL NOT IN ITSELF  CONSTITUTE
SUCH A WRITTEN  NOTICE AND A FAILURE TO VOTE WILL NOT AFFECT THE  VALIDITY  OF A
TIMELY  WRITTEN  NOTICE.  NOTE,  HOWEVER,  THE  SUBMISSION OF A BLANK PROXY WILL
CONSTITUTE A VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE MERGER AND A WAIVER OF  STATUTORY  DISSENTERS'
RIGHTS. As used in this Section regarding  dissenters'  rights,  and pursuant to
Section  302A.473,  Subd. 1(c), the "fair value" of dissenting  shares means the
value of the shares of Genetic Labs immediately before the Effective Time of the
Merger.

     The Merger  Agreement  must be approved by the holders of a majority of the
outstanding  Genetic  Labs  Common  Stock.  If the  Merger  is  approved  by the
shareholders of Genetic Labs, Genetic Labs will send to all Dissenters who filed
the necessary  notice of intent to demand the fair value of their shares and who
did not vote  their  shares in favor of the Merger a notice  containing  certain
information required by Section 302A.473, Subd. 4, including without limitation:
(i) the  address  to which a  Dissenter  must  send a  demand  for  payment  and
certificates  representing shares in order to obtain payment for such shares and
the date by which they must be  received;  (ii) a form to be used to certify the
date on which  the  Dissenter  (or the  beneficial  owner on  whose  behalf  the
Dissenter  dissents) acquired such Genetic Labs Common Shares (or an interest in
them) and to demand payment;  and (iii) a copy of Sections 302A.471 and 302A.473
and a brief description of the procedures to be followed under such Sections. In
order to  receive  the fair  value  of the  shares  under  Section  302A.473,  a
Dissenter must demand payment and deposit  certificates  representing the shares
within 30 days after such notice from  Genetic  Labs is given.  Under  Minnesota
law, notice by mail is given by Genetic Labs when deposited in the United States
mail.

     A  SHAREHOLDER  WHO  FAILS  TO  MAKE  DEMAND  FOR  PAYMENT  AND TO  DEPOSIT
CERTIFICATES  AS REQUIRED BY SECTION  302A.473,  SUBD. 4, WILL LOSE THE RIGHT TO
RECEIVE THE FAIR VALUE OF HIS OR HER SHARES UNDER SUCH  SECTION  NOTWITHSTANDING
THE TIMELY FILING OF NOTICE OF INTENT TO DEMAND PAYMENT UNDER SECTION  302A.473,
SUBD. 3.

     Pursuant to Section  302A.471,Subd.  2, a Genetic Labs  shareholder may not
assert  dissenters'  rights as to less than all of the  shares of  Genetic  Labs
Common Shares registered in the name of such shareholder, unless the Shareholder
dissents  with  respect to all  shares  that are  beneficially  owned by another

                                       28

<PAGE>


person, but registered in the name of the shareholder and discloses the name and
address of each beneficial  owner on whose behalf the shareholder  dissents.  In
that event, the rights of the Dissenter will be determined as if the shares were
registered in the names of the respective beneficial owners.

     A  beneficial  owner  of  shares  who is not  the  shareholder  may  assert
dissenters'  rights  with  respect to shares  held on behalf of such  beneficial
owner,  and will be  treated  as a  dissenting  shareholder  under  the terms of
Section  302A.471 and 302A.473,  if the beneficial owner submits written consent
of the shareholder holding such beneficial owner's shares to Genetic Labs at the
time of or before the assertion of dissenters' rights.

     Except as  provided  below,  if demand  for  payment  and  deposit of stock
certificates  is duly made by a Dissenter  with  Genetic Labs as required by the
notice,  then  after the  Effective  Time or the  receipt  of valid  demand  for
payment, whichever is later, Genetic Labs will pay the Dissenter an amount which
Genetic  Labs  estimates  to be the fair value of the  Dissenter's  Genetic Labs
Common Shares,  with interest,  if any. The payment must be accompanied  by: (i)
Genetic  Labs'  closing  balance sheet and statement of income for a fiscal year
ending not more than 16 months prior to the Effective  Time,  (ii) Genetic Labs'
latest available interim financial  statement,  (iii) a brief description of the
method used by Genetic Labs to compute such estimated  payment,  and (iv) a copy
of Sections  302A.471 and 203A.473,  and a brief description of the procedure to
be followed in demanding supplemental payment. The Genetic Labs estimate of fair
value of the Genetic  Labs Common  Shares held by a Dissenter  may be less than,
equal to or greater than the value of the shares of Derma Sciences  Common Stock
that would have been issued with respect to such  Genetic Labs Common  Shares in
the  Merger  if  such  shareholder  had not  dissented.  For  the  purpose  of a
Dissenter's  rights  under  Section  302A.471  and  302A.473,  "interest"  means
interest  commencing  five days after the effective date of the Merger until the
date of payment,  calculated at the rate provided in Minnesota  Statutes Section
549.09 (presently 5%).

     Genetic  Labs may  withhold  such  remittance  with respect to Genetic Labs
Common Shares for which the Dissenter  demanding  payment was not the registered
owner (or the person on whose behalf such  Dissenter acts was not the beneficial
owner) as of the first public  announcement date of the Merger. If the dissenter
has not voted his  shares in favor of the  Merger  Agreement  and has filed with
Genetic Labs before the vote on the Merger  Agreement a written notice of intent
to demand  the fair  value off the  Genetic  Labs  Common  Shares  owned by such
shareholder,  Genetic  Labs  within 60 days must  forward to the  Dissenter  the
material  described  in the  preceding  paragraph,  a  statement  of reasons for
withholding the remittance, and an offer to pay the Dissenter the estimated fair
value listed in the  materials if the  Dissenter  agrees to accept the amount in
full satisfaction.

     If the  Dissenter  believes the payment  received from Genetic Labs is less
than the fair value of the Genetic Labs Common Shares,  with  interest,  if any,
such  Dissenter  must  give  written  notice to  Genetic  Labs of his or her own
estimate of the fair value of the Genetic Labs Common Shares, with interest,  if
any, within 30 days after the date of Genetic Labs' remittance,  and must demand
payment  of the  difference  between  his  or her  estimate  and  Genetic  Labs'
remittance  ("Demand").  If the Dissenter  fails to give written  notice of such
estimate to Genetic Labs within the 30-day time period,  such  Dissenter will be
entitled only to the amount  remitted by Genetic Labs. If the Dissenter  makes a
demand,  the procedures,  costs and expenses described below for petitioning the
court shall apply.

     If Genetic  Labs fails to remit  payment  within 60 days of the  deposit of
certificates,  it must return all deposited certificates and cancel all transfer
restrictions.  However,  Genetic  Labs may  require  deposit at a later time and
again give notice that  contains:  (i) the address to which a demand for payment
and share  certificates  must be sent in order to obtain payment and the date by
which they must be received; (ii) a form to be used to certify the date on which
the  shareholder,  or the  beneficial  owner on  whose  behalf  the  shareholder
dissents, acquired the shares or an interest in them and the demand for payment;
and (iii) a copy of Sections  302A.471 and 302A.473 and a brief  description  of
the procedures to be followed under such Sections.

     If Genetic Labs receives a Demand,  it must, within 60 days after receiving
the Demand,  either pay to the Dissenter the amount demanded or agreed to by the
Dissenter  after  discussion  with  Genetic  Labs or file  in  court a  petition
requesting  that the court determine the fair value of the shares plus interest.
The petition must be filed in Ramsey County,  Minnesota,  The petition must name
as parties all Dissenters who made a demand for payment and who have not reached
agreement  with  Genetic  Labs.  The  jurisdiction  of the Court is plenary  and
exclusive.

     The court will then determine  whether each Dissenter in question has fully
complied with the  provisions of Section  302A.473,  and for all  Dissenters who
have  fully  complied  and not  forfeited  statutory  dissenters'  rights,  will

                                       29

<PAGE>


determine the fair value of the shares,  taking into account any and all factors
the court finds relevant (including,  without limitation,  the recommendation of
any  appraisers  which may have been  appointed  by the court),  computed by any
method or combination of methods that the court, in its discretion,  sees fit to
use,  whether or not used by Genetic Labs or a Dissenter.  The fair value of the
shares as determined by the court is binding on all shareholders and may be less
than,  equal to or greater than the value of the shares of Derma Sciences Common
Stock to be issued in the Merger. Each Dissenter is entitled to judgment in cash
for the  amount by which the fair value of the  Genetic  Labs  Common  Shares as
determined by the court, plus interest, exceeds the estimated payment previously
remitted  by  Genetic  Labs  to  the  Dissenter.  However,  under  the  statute,
Dissenters  are not  liable to Genetic  Labs for the  amount,  if any,  by which
payments  remitted by Genetic  Labs to the  Dissenters  exceed the fair value of
such shares  determined by the court,  plus interest.  The costs and expenses of
the court  proceeding  will be assessed  against  Genetic Labs,  except that the
court may assess  part or all of those  costs and  expenses  against a Dissenter
whose action in demanding payment is found to be arbitrary,  vexatious or not in
good faith.

     If the court  finds that  Genetic  Labs has failed to comply  substantially
with Section 302A.473,  the court also may assess against Genetic Labs such fees
and expenses, if any, of attorneys or experts as the court deems equitable. Such
fees  and  expenses  may also be  assessed  against  any  person  who has  acted
arbitrarily,  vexatiously or not in good faith in bringing the  proceeding,  and
may be awarded to a party injured by those actions.  The Court may award, in its
discretion, out of the award to the Dissenters, if any, fees and expenses to the
Dissenters' legal representative(s).

     Under Section 302A.471, Subd. 4, a shareholder of Genetic Labs has no right
at law or equity  to set  aside the  approval  of the  Merger  Agreement  or the
consummation  of  the  Merger,  except  if  such  approval  or  consummation  is
fraudulent with respect to such shareholder or Genetic Labs.

     Holders  of shares of Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock  are not  entitled  to
exercise  dissenters' or appraisal  rights pursuant to any provision of the PBCL
with regard to the Merger.  Pursuant to Section 1571 of the PBCL, a  shareholder
may, under certain circumstances,  dissent and exercise appraisal rights only if
a proposed  merger or  consolidation  is to be  submitted  for  approval by such
shareholders.  The holders of Derma Sciences Common Stock are not being asked to
approve the Merger.

DELISTING AND DEREGISTRATION OF GENETIC LABS COMMON SHARES AFTER THE MERGER

     If the Merger is  consummated,  the  Genetic  Labs  Common  Shares  will be
delisted from the NASD Electronic  Bulletin Board and will be deregistered under
the Exchange Act.

THE MERGER AGREEMENT

     The  following  description  of the Merger  Agreement is not intended to be
complete  and is  qualified  in its  entirety by the Merger  Agreement  attached
hereto as Appendix A.

Conversion of Shares; Exchange Ratio

     As soon as  practicable  after the Effective  Time, the Exchange Agent will
send a notice and transmittal form, with instructions, to each holder of Genetic
Labs Common Shares of record at the  Effective  Time advising such holder of the
effectiveness  of the  Merger  and  of the  procedure  for  surrendering  to the
Exchange  Agent the Genetic Labs  Certificates  in exchange  for Derma  Sciences
Certificates.  SHAREHOLDERS  SHOULD NOT SEND IN THEIR GENETIC LABS  CERTIFICATES
UNTIL THEY  RECEIVE THE LETTER OF  TRANSMITTAL  FORM AND  INSTRUCTIONS  FROM THE
EXCHANGE AGENT.

     Upon  surrender  to  the  Exchange  Agent  of  one  or  more  Genetic  Labs
Certificates,   together  with  a  properly   completed  and  signed  letter  of
transmittal,  there  will be issued  and  mailed to the  holder  thereof a Derma
Sciences Certificate or Certificates  representing the number of whole shares of
Derma  Sciences  Common Stock to which such holder is entitled  under the Merger
Agreement. Until surrendered as described above, Genetic Labs Certificates will,
after  the  Effective  Time,  represent  only the  right to  receive,  upon such
surrender,  a Derma  Sciences  Certificate  or  Certificates.  No  dividends  or
distributions that are declared on shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock will be
paid to persons entitled to receive  certificates  representing  shares of Derma
Sciences   Common  Stock  until  such  persons   surrender  their  Genetic  Labs
Certificates.

                                       30

<PAGE>


     Pursuant to the Merger Agreement,  the Exchange Ratio holds that each share
of Genetic Labs Common Stock will be exchanged for 0.7 shares of Derma  Sciences
Common Stock.

Representations and Warranties

     The  Merger  Agreement  contains  various  customary   representations  and
warranties  of Derma  Sciences and Genetic Labs made to each other  relating to,
among other things:  (i) each of Derma  Sciences',  Derma  Merging's and Genetic
Labs'  organization  and  similar  corporate  matters and the  organization  and
similar corporate matters regarding subsidiaries of Derma Sciences; (ii) each of
Derma  Sciences',  Derma  Merging's and Genetic Labs' capital  structure;  (iii)
authorization, execution, delivery, performance and enforceability of the Merger
Agreement and related matters; (iv) conflicts under articles of incorporation or
bylaws,  required consents or approvals and violations of certain instruments or
law; (v) documents filed with the Commission and the accuracy of the information
contained therein; (vi) absence of certain specified material changes,  material
undisclosed liabilities or material defaults; (vii) in the case of Genetic Labs,
(A) absence of material litigation, (B) certain tax and employee benefit matters
and (C) certain intellectual property matters; (viii) compliance with applicable
law;  (ix) the accuracy of  information  supplied by each of Derma  Sciences and
Genetic Labs in connection  with the preparation of the  Registration  Statement
and this Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus; (x) in the case of Genetic Labs, that
it has not proposed,  adopted,  approved or implemented any  shareholder  rights
plan, or authorized the issuance of any similar  dividend or the distribution of
any securities to its  shareholders,  or entered into any agreement with respect
to the  foregoing  (any such  plan,  authorization,  dividend,  distribution  or
agreement being referred to herein as a "Shareholder Rights Plan"),  which could
have the effect of restricting, prohibiting, impeding or otherwise affecting the
consummation of the transactions  contemplated by the Merger Agreement;  (xi) in
the  case of  Genetic  Labs and  Derma  Sciences,  the  approval  of the  Merger
Agreement  by their  respective  boards of  directors;  and (xii) in the case of
Derma Sciences,  Derma Sciences is not, and prior to the Effective Time will not
be, the "beneficial  owner" (as defined in Section  302A.011 of the MBCA) of any
Genetic Labs Common Shares.

Conduct of Business Prior to the Effective Time

     The Merger  Agreement  provides that from the date thereof to the Effective
Time,  except as  otherwise  permitted  by the Merger  Agreement or agreed to in
writing by Derma  Sciences:  (i) Genetic  Labs will  conduct its business in the
ordinary  and  usual  course  consistent  with past  practice,  and will use its
reasonable  efforts to preserve intact the present business  organization,  will
keep  available  the services of its present  officers and key  employees,  will
preserve the goodwill of those having  business  relationships  with it and will
not hire any person as an  employee or  consultant  where such  person's  annual
compensation would exceed $75,000; and (ii) Genetic Labs will not: (A) amend its
charter,  bylaws  or  other  organization  documents;   (B)  split,  combine  or
reclassify any shares of its outstanding capital stock; (C) declare,  set aside,
or pay any dividend or other  distribution  payable in cash,  stock or property;
directly or  indirectly  redeem or  otherwise  acquire any shares of its capital
stock;  (D) authorize for issuance,  issue or sell or agree to issue or sell any
shares of, or rights or securities of any kind to acquire,  rights or securities
convertible  into any shares of, its capital stock (whether through the issuance
or granting of options, warrants, commitments, subscriptions, rights to purchase
or  otherwise),  other than in  connection  with the  exercise  of Genetic  Labs
options;  (E) merge or consolidate with another entity;  (F) acquire or purchase
an  equity  interest  in or a  substantial  portion  of the  assets  of  another
organization  or enter into any  material  contract,  except in the ordinary and
usual course of business  consistent with past practice;  (G) sell or dispose of
any of its  assets  outside  the  ordinary  and  usual  course of  business  and
consistent  with  past  practice;  (H)  incur,  assume or  prepay  any  material
indebtedness  other than in the ordinary  course of business and consistent with
past practice;  (I) assume,  guarantee or otherwise become liable or responsible
(whether  directly,  contingently or otherwise) for the obligations of any other
persons other than in the ordinary  course of business and consistent  with past
practice;   (J)  make  any  loans,  advances  or  capital  contributions  to  or
investments in any other person; authorize any capital expenditures in excess of
the amounts currently  budgeted;  (K) permit any insurance policy naming Genetic
Labs as a beneficiary  or loss payee to be canceled or terminated  other than in
the ordinary  course of business;  (L) enter into any  contract,  commitment  or
arrangement  with  respect  to any of the  foregoing;  (M)  adopt,  enter  into,
terminate  or amend  (except as may be required by  applicable  law) any Genetic
Labs Plan or other  arrangement  for the current or future benefit or welfare of
any director,  officer or current or former employee; (N) increase in any manner
the  compensation  or fringe  benefits  of, or pay any bonus to,  any  director,
officer or employee,  except for normal increases in salary  compensation in the
ordinary  course of business and  consistent  with past  practice;  (O) take any
action  to fund or in any way  secure,  or to  accelerate  or  otherwise  remove
restrictions  with respect to, the payment of compensation or benefits under any
employee  plan,  agreement,  contract,  arrangement  or other  Genetic Labs Plan

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<PAGE>


(including  Genetic Labs stock option  plans);  (P) take any action with respect
to, or make any material change in, its accounting  policies or procedures;  (Q)
knowingly take any action which would jeopardize  qualification of the Merger as
a reorganization  within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code; (R) or
propose,  adopt,  approve or implement any  Shareholder  Rights Plan which could
have the effect of restricting, prohibiting, impeding or otherwise affecting the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

     The Merger  Agreement  provides that from the date thereof to the Effective
Time,  except as  otherwise  permitted  by the Merger  Agreement or agreed to in
writing by Genetic Labs:  (i) Derma Sciences will conduct its business (and that
of its  subsidiaries)  in the  ordinary and usual  course  consistent  with past
practice,  and will use its  reasonable  efforts to preserve  intact the present
business  organization,  keep available the services of its present officers and
key employees,  and preserve the goodwill of those having business relationships
with it; and (ii) Derma Sciences will not: (A) split,  combine or reclassify any
shares of its  outstanding  capital  stock;  (B)  declare,  set aside or pay any
dividend or other distribution payable in cash, stock or property; (C) authorize
for  issuance,  issue or sell or agree to issue or sell any shares of, or rights
or securities of any kind to acquire,  rights or securities convertible into any
shares of, its  capital  stock  (whether  through  the  issuance  or granting of
options, warrants, commitments, subscriptions, rights to purchase or otherwise),
except  for the  issuance  of shares of Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock  upon the
exercise  of  Derma  Sciences  Stock  Options  outstanding  on the  date of this
Agreement; (D) merge or consolidate with another entity; (E) acquire or purchase
an  equity  interest  in or a  substantial  portion  of the  assets  of  another
corporation, partnership or other business organization or otherwise acquire any
assets  outside the ordinary and usual  course of business and  consistent  with
past  practice or otherwise  enter into any  material  contract,  commitment  or
transaction  outside the ordinary and usual course of business  consistent  with
past practice; (F) sell, lease, license, waive, release,  transfer,  encumber or
otherwise  dispose of any of its assets outside the ordinary and usual course of
business and  consistent  with past  practice;  (G) incur,  assume or prepay any
material  indebtedness  or any  other  material  liabilities  other  than in the
ordinary  course of business  and  consistent  with past  practice;  (H) assume,
guarantee,  endorse or otherwise become liable or responsible (whether directly,
contingently  or  otherwise)  for the  obligations  of any  other  person in the
ordinary  course of business and  consistent  with past  practice;  (I) make any
loans,  advances  or  capital  contributions  to, or  investments  in, any other
person;  (J)  authorize  or make capital  expenditures  in excess of the amounts
currently  budgeted  therefor;  (K) permit any  insurance  policy  naming  Derma
Sciences as a  beneficiary  or a loss payee to be canceled or  terminated  other
than in the ordinary course of business; (L) enter into any contract, agreement,
commitment  or  arrangement  with respect to any of the  foregoing;  (M) redeem,
purchase,  acquire or offer to acquire,  directly or  indirectly,  any shares of
capital stock of Derma Sciences or other securities of Derma Sciences;  (N) take
any action  with  respect  to, or make any  material  change in, its  accounting
policies or procedures;  (O) or knowingly take any action which would jeopardize
qualification  of the Merger as a  reorganization  within the meaning of Section
368(a)(1)(A) of the Code.

     The Merger  Agreement also provides  that,  from the date thereof until the
Effective  Time,  Derma Merging will not engage in any  activities of any nature
except as contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

No Other Negotiations

     The Merger Agreement provides that, upon execution of the Merger Agreement,
Genetic Labs was not engaged in or would  immediately  terminate any discussions
with any third party  concerning an Alternative  Acquisition (as defined below).
The  Merger  Agreement  provides  further  that,  from and after the date of the
Merger  Agreement  until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of
the  Merger  Agreement  in  accordance  with its  terms,  Genetic  Labs will not
directly or indirectly: (i) solicit, engage in discussions or negotiate with any
person or take any other action  intended or designed to facilitate  the efforts
of any person,  other than Derma Sciences,  relating to the possible acquisition
of Genetic Labs (whether by way of merger,  purchase of capital stock,  purchase
of assets or otherwise)  or any material  portion of its capital stock or assets
(any such efforts by any such person,  including a firm proposal to make such an
acquisition,  being referred to herein as an  "Alternative  Acquisition"),  (ii)
provide information with respect to Genetic Labs to any person, other than Derma
Sciences,  relating to a possible  Alternative  Acquisition by any person, other
than Derma Sciences,  (iii) enter into an agreement with any person,  other than
Derma Sciences,  providing for a possible Alternative Acquisition,  or (iv) make
or authorize any statement,  recommendation  or  solicitation  in support of any
possible Alternative Acquisition by any person, other than by Derma Sciences.

     The Merger  Agreement  provides that,  notwithstanding  the foregoing,  the
restrictions set forth in the Merger Agreement will not prevent the Genetic Labs
Board (or its  agents  pursuant  to its  instructions)  from  taking  any of the
following actions:  (i) furnishing  information  concerning Genetic Labs and its

                                       32

<PAGE>


business,  properties and assets to any third party;  or (ii)  negotiating  with
such third party  concerning an  Alternative  Acquisition  provided that certain
events shall have occurred, including: (A) that such third party shall have made
a written  proposal  to the  Genetic  Labs Board to  consummate  an  Alternative
Acquisition which proposal meets certain specified criteria, and if consummated,
based on the advice of Genetic Labs' investment bankers,  the Genetic Labs Board
determines is  financially  more favorable to the  shareholders  of Genetic Labs
than the terms of the Merger (a "Superior Proposal");  (B) that the Genetic Labs
Board shall have determined, based on the advice of its investment bankers, that
such third party is financially  capable of consummating such Superior Proposal;
(C) that the Genetic Labs Board shall have determined,  after  consultation with
its outside legal counsel,  that the fiduciary  duties of the Genetic Labs Board
require  Genetic Labs to furnish  information  to and negotiate  with such third
party;  and,  (D) Derma  Sciences  shall have been  notified  in writing of such
Superior  Proposal,  including all of its terms and  conditions,  and shall have
been given copies of such proposal.

     In addition to the foregoing,  the Merger  Agreement  provides that Genetic
Labs may not  accept  or enter  into any  agreement  concerning  an  Alternative
Acquisition for a period of not less than 48 hours after Derma Sciences' receipt
of a copy of such proposal of an Alternative  Acquisition.  Upon compliance with
the foregoing, Genetic Labs will be entitled to: (i) not recommend or change its
recommendation to the Genetic Labs shareholders  concerning the Merger; and (ii)
enter  into an  agreement  with  such  third  party  concerning  an  Alternative
Acquisition provided that Genetic Labs shall immediately make payment in full to
Derma  Sciences  of a $500,000  termination  fee.  See "The  Merger--The  Merger
Agreement--Termination and Termination Fee."

Indemnification

     The  Merger  Agreement   provides  that  all  rights  to   indemnification,
advancement of litigation expenses and limitation of personal liability existing
in favor of the  directors  and  officers of Genetic  Labs under the  provisions
existing as of the date of the Merger  Agreement,  in Genetic Labs'  Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws shall,  with respect to any matter existing or occurring
at or prior to the Effective Time  (including the  transactions  contemplated by
the Merger  Agreement),  survive the  Effective  Time,  and, as of the Effective
Time, the Surviving  Corporation shall assume all obligations of Genetic Labs in
respect thereof as to any claim or claims asserted prior to or within a six-year
period immediately after the Effective Time.

Genetic Labs Stock Options

     Genetic Labs has granted stock options  pursuant to its stock option plans.
Total  outstanding  options are 259,900 shares  ranging in exercise  prices from
$0.25 to $0.625 per share. The following executives hold options to purchase the
number of shares indicated:  Mr. Beisang - 27,000 shares;  Mr. Thompson - 80,000
shares;  Dr. Ersek - 39,000 shares;  Mr. Gardow - 20,000 shares; and Mr. Olson -
26,000 shares.

     Under the terms of the Merger  Agreement,  each  Genetic  Labs stock option
that is outstanding  immediately  prior to the Effective Time shall be converted
into an  option  (a "New  Option")  to  purchase  the  number of shares of Derma
Sciences  Common  Stock equal to the product of: (i) the number of Genetic  Labs
Common  Shares  subject to such  Genetic Labs stock option and (ii) the Exchange
Ratio,  at a per share  exercise price equal to (A) the per share exercise price
of such Genetic Labs stock option divided by (B) the Exchange  Ratio.  After the
Effective  Time,  each New Option shall be  exercisable  and shall vest upon the
same terms and conditions as were  applicable to the related  Genetic Labs stock
option immediately prior to the Effective Time.

                                       33

<PAGE>


Conditions to Consummation of the Merger

     The  Merger  will occur only if the Merger  Agreement  is  approved  by the
requisite  vote of holders of Genetic Labs Common Shares and the issuance of the
Merger  Shares is approved by the  requisite  vote of holders of Derma  Sciences
Common  Stock.  In  addition,  consummation  of the  Merger  is  subject  to the
satisfaction  or waiver  (to the  extent  such  waiver is  permitted  by law) of
certain other  conditions.  A failure of any such condition to be satisfied,  if
not waived, would prevent consummation of the Merger.

     The  obligations  of both Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs to consummate the
Merger  are  subject  to  satisfaction  of  the  following  conditions:  (i)  no
governmental   entity   (including  a  federal  or  state  court)  of  competent
jurisdiction shall have enacted,  issued,  promulgated,  enforced or entered any
statute,  rule, regulation,  executive order, decree,  injunction or other order
(whether  temporary,  preliminary  or  permanent)  which is in effect  and which
materially  restricts,  prevents or prohibits  consummation of the Merger or any
transaction  contemplated  by the Merger  Agreement;  (ii) all filings  with and
approvals and consents of any governmental  entity, the failure of which to make
or obtain would have a material adverse effect at or after the effective time of
the Merger on either Derma  Sciences or the  Surviving  Corporation,  shall have
been made or  obtained;  (iii) the  Registration  Statement  of which this Joint
Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  is a part shall  have  become  effective  under the
Securities  Act and shall not be subject to a stop  order or  proceeding  of the
Commission  seeking a stop order,  and Derma  Sciences  shall have  received all
state  securities  or "blue sky" permits and other  authorizations  necessary to
issue the Merger Shares; and (iv) the Merger Shares shall have been approved for
listing on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, upon official notice of issuance.

     In addition to the foregoing  conditions,  the obligation of Derma Sciences
to consummate the Merger is subject to  satisfaction  or waiver of the following
conditions:  (i) the representations and warranties of Genetic Labs set forth in
the Merger  Agreement that are qualified with reference to materiality  shall be
true  and  correct  and  the  representations  and  warranties  that  are not so
qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case as of
the date of the Merger Agreement and, except to the extent such  representations
and  warranties  speak as of an earlier date, as of the Effective  Time, and the
aggregate  effect of all inaccuracies in the  representations  and warranties of
Genetic  Labs set  forth in the  Merger  Agreement  does not and will not have a
material  adverse  effect on the business,  operations,  prospects,  properties,
assets  (including   intangible  assets),   liabilities   (including  contingent
liabilities), condition (financial or other) or results of operations of Genetic
Labs;  (ii)  Genetic  Labs shall have  performed  in all  material  respects all
obligations  required to be  performed  by it under the Merger  Agreement  at or
prior to the  Effective  Time;  (iii)  Derma  Sciences  shall  have  received  a
certificate of the Chief  Executive  Officer or the Chief  Financial  Officer of
Genetic Labs to the effect that the  conditions  set forth in (i) and (ii) above
have  been  fulfilled;  (iv)  Derma  Sciences  shall  have  received  from  each
"affiliate" of Genetic Labs a written  agreement  whereby such affiliate  agrees
not to sell,  transfer  or  otherwise  dispose of any  shares of Derma  Sciences
Common Stock received in the Merger except in compliance  with the  requirements
of the  Securities  Act.  See  "The  Merger-Restrictions  on Sale of  Shares  by
Affiliates;"  and (v) Derma  Sciences shall have received an opinion of Hedger &
Hedger,  counsel to Derma  Sciences,  to the effect that for federal  income tax
purposes,  the Merger will constitute a  "reorganization"  within the meaning of
Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code.

     In addition to the foregoing conditions,  the obligation of Genetic Labs to
consummate  the  Merger is subject to  satisfaction  or waiver of the  following
conditions:  (i) the  representations and warranties of Derma Sciences set forth
in the Merger  Agreement that are qualified with reference to materiality  shall
be true and  correct  and the  representations  and  warranties  that are not so
qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case as of
the date of such agreement and,  except to the extent such  representations  and
warranties  speak as of an  earlier  date,  as of the  Effective  Time,  and the
aggregate  effect of all inaccuracies in the  representations  and warranties of
Derma  Sciences set forth in the Merger  Agreement  does not and will not have a
material  adverse  effect on the business,  operations,  prospects,  properties,
assets  (including   intangible  assets),   liabilities   (including  contingent
liabilities),  condition  (financial or other) or results of operations of Derma
Sciences;  (ii) Derma Sciences shall have performed in all material respects all
obligations  required to be  performed  by it under the Merger  Agreement  at or
prior to the  Effective  Time;  and (iii)  Genetic  Labs shall  have  received a
certificate of the Chief  Executive  Officer or the Chief  Financial  Officer of
Derma Sciences to the effect that the conditions set forth in (i) and (ii) above
have been fulfilled.

                                       34

<PAGE>


Termination and Termination Fee

     The  Merger  Agreement  may be  terminated  at any time  before  the Merger
becomes  effective:  (i) by mutual  consent of Derma  Sciences and Genetic Labs;
(ii) by either  Derma  Sciences  or  Genetic  Labs if the  Merger has not become
effective  before  December 31, 1998 (unless  caused by the action or failure to
act of the party  seeking to  terminate  the Merger  Agreement in breach of such
party's obligations thereunder);  (iii) by either Derma Sciences or Genetic Labs
if any permanent  injunction or action by any  governmental  entity of competent
jurisdiction  preventing  the  consummation  of the Merger has become  final and
non-appealable;  (iv) by either Derma Sciences or Genetic Labs if there has been
a breach of any representation or warranty of the other party which would have a
material adverse affect on that other party or if there has been a breach in any
material  respect of any agreement or covenant to be performed and complied with
by that other party under the Merger  Agreement which breach is not curable,  or
if curable,  is not cured within 30 days after written  notice of such breach is
given to that other party by the party not in breach;  (v) by Derma  Sciences if
the Genetic Labs Board (A) fails to recommend  approval of the Merger  Agreement
by the  shareholders  of Genetic  Labs or  withdraws  or amend or  modifies in a
manner  adverse  to Derma  Sciences  and Derma  Merging  its  recommendation  or
approval in respect of the Merger Agreement,  (B) makes any recommendation  with
respect to an Alternative Acquisition other than a recommendation to reject such
Alternative  Acquisition  or (C) takes any action with respect to an Alternative
Acquisition that would be prohibited by the "no solicitation"  provisions of the
Merger Agreement; (vi) by Genetic Labs if such termination is necessary to allow
Genetic  Labs to enter into an  agreement  with  respect to a Superior  Proposal
(subject to prior payment of the termination fee as described  below);  or (vii)
by Derma  Sciences  or  Genetic  Labs if their  respective  shareholders  do not
approve the issuance of the Merger Shares or the Merger Agreement, respectively.

     In the event the Merger  Agreement  is  terminated  pursuant  to any of the
foregoing  provisions,  the Merger will be deemed abandoned and such termination
will be without  liability of any party thereto  except for liability for breach
of  the  Merger  Agreement  and  except  as set  forth  below  in the  following
paragraph.  In the event of such a  termination,  the  provisions  of the Merger
Agreement regarding confidentiality and fees and expenses shall survive.

     If the Merger  Agreement is terminated  by Derma  Sciences by reason of the
circumstances described in clause (v) above, or by Genetic Labs by reason of the
circumstances  described  in clause (vi) above,  then  Genetic Labs shall pay to
Derma Sciences promptly, but in no event later than two business days after such
termination,  a fee of $500,000. If the Merger Agreement is terminated by reason
of the  circumstances  described  in  clause  (i) or (ii)  above  and the  Derma
Sciences  Board (A)  withdraws  or amends or modifies  in any manner  adverse to
Genetic Labs its recommendation to the Derma Sciences  shareholders with respect
to the Merger  Agreement  or (B) makes any  recommendation  with  respect to any
proposed  acquisition of Derma Sciences  (whether by way of merger,  purchase of
capital stock, purchase of assets or otherwise) or any material portion of Derma
Sciences'  capital stock or assets (an "Acquisition  Transaction")  other than a
recommendation  to reject such  Acquisition  Transaction and in either such case
the  shareholders  of Derma  Sciences do not approve the  issuance of the Merger
Shares,  then Derma  Sciences  shall  promptly,  but in no event  later than two
business days after the date of such  termination,  pay to Genetic Labs a fee of
$500,000.

Extension, Waiver and Amendment

     At any time prior to the  Effective  Time,  Derma  Sciences or Genetic Labs
may: (i) extend the time for performance of any obligations or other acts of the
other  under  the  Merger   Agreement;   (ii)  waive  any  inaccuracies  in  the
representations  and warranties of the other contained in the Merger  Agreement;
or (iii) waive  compliance  by the other with any  agreements  contained  in the
Merger Agreement or with any conditions  contained  therein which may legally be
waived.

     The Merger Agreement may not be amended except in writing signed by each of
the parties thereto. The Merger Agreement may be amended without the approval of
Derma Sciences  shareholders or Genetic Labs  shareholders,  except that no such
amendment will be made following  approval and adoption of the Merger  Agreement
by Genetic Labs shareholders if such amendment would require further shareholder
approval under applicable law, unless such further approval has been obtained.

                                       35

<PAGE>


RELATED AGREEMENTS

     On May 1, 1998,  Genetic  Labs  entered  into  employment  agreements  with
Messrs.  Beisang,  Thompson and Ersek.  Each of the  agreements is for a term of
three years. Each agreement  provides for an annual  cost-of-living  increase in
the base salary. Additional compensation based on pre-tax profits of the Company
may be paid to executives  determined  by the Board of  Directors'  Compensation
Committee.

     The  agreements  Messrs.  Beisang and Ersek  provide that the executive may
terminate his employment upon the occurrence of any of the following events: (i)
a change in a majority  ownership  or control of Genetic  Labs which occurs as a
result of a merger, a sale of all or substantially  all of Genetic Labs' assets;
or the acquisition of a majority of Genetic Labs'  outstanding stock by a single
party or a group  acting in  concert;  (ii) any  attempted  termination  of such
individual's  employment  by  Genetic  Labs  prior to the  expiration  or not in
accordance  with any termination  event as set forth in the agreement;  or (iii)
any  material  diminution  of,  or any  adverse  change  occurs  in the terms or
conditions  of  such  individual's   employment  duties,   responsibilities   or
authority,  except  for any  isolated,  unsubstantial,  inadvertent  matter  not
occurring in bad faith, which is remedied by Genetic Labs within 30 days. In the
event of such a termination by the individual covered by the agreement,  Genetic
Labs shall  immediately  pay to such individual  (without  discount or offset) a
severance payment equal to the gross base compensation otherwise payable to such
individual over the remaining term of the agreement.  Mr.  Thompson's  agreement
does not contain the foregoing severance provisions.

     Mr.  Beisang,  Dr. Ersek and Mr. Thompson are paid an annual base salary of
$70,600, $32,000 and $99,600,  respectively. The agreements with Messrs. Beisang
and Ersek  provide  that each  executive  retains  the right to new  products or
patents which the executive develops and contain covenants not to compete by the
executive during the employment period and for one year thereafter.  For further
information relative to the aforedescribed  agreements,  please refer to Genetic
Labs' Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 14, 1998.

     Pursuant to the Merger  Agreement,  Derma Sciences will  guarantee  Genetic
Labs' performance under the executive employment agreements described above.

OPERATIONS AFTER THE MERGER

     Pursuant to the Merger  Agreement,  at the Effective Time, the directors of
Genetic  Labs will be Edward J.  Quilty,  Arthur A. Beisang and Robert A. Ersek,
M.D.  The  officers of Genetic  Labs will be Edward J.  Quilty,  Chairman of the
Board of  Directors,  Arthur A.  Beisang,  Chief  Executive  Officer,  H.  James
Thompson,  President and Chief  Operating  Officer,  and Robert A. Ersek,  M.D.,
Medical Director.

     Following the Merger,  Derma Sciences  plans to maintain  Genetic Labs as a
separate  business unit of Derma Sciences.  Derma Sciences intends to conduct an
evaluation  of  existing  administrative   functions,  such  as  finance,  human
resources,  information  technology,  legal and general  overhead  costs of both
companies  with a  view  to  consolidating  certain  of  these  functions  where
operationally feasible.

                      INFORMATION CONCERNING DERMA SCIENCES

     Derma Sciences,  Inc., a Pennsylvania  corporation ("Derma Sciences"),  was
incorporated  under the laws of Colorado on September  10, 1984. On June 3, 1996
Derma Sciences  changed its state of domicile to  Pennsylvania.  Derma Sciences'
executive offices are located at 214 Carnegie Center, Suite 100, Princeton,  New
Jersey and its telephone number is (609) 514-4744.

     Derma  Sciences  is  engaged  in the  development,  marketing  and sales of
topical  nutrient-based  wound  care  products  for the  management  of  certain
chronic,  non-healing  skin  ulcerations  such as  pressure  and venous  ulcers,
surgical  incisions  and burns.  As such wounds  primarily  afflict the elderly,
Derma  Sciences  markets its  products  mainly to  healthcare  providers  to the
geriatric  community such as nursing homes,  similar  extended care  facilities,
hospitals and home healthcare  agencies  throughout the United States.  In 1997,
sales of wound  care  products  in the  United  States  were  estimated  at $2.6
billion. This amount is expected to increase at a rate of 5% annually.

                                       36

<PAGE>


                       INFORMATION CONCERNING GENETIC LABS

        Genetic  Laboratories Wound Care, Inc. ("Genetic Labs") was incorporated
on January 19, 1988, in the State of Minnesota as a dividend to the shareholders
of Bioplasty,  Inc. pursuant to an agreement between Bioplasty, Inc. and Genetic
Labs  dated as of  February  29,  1988.  Genetic  Labs  acquired  the wound care
business and certain other assets of  Bioplasty,  Inc.  Genetic Labs'  executive
offices are located at 2726 Patton Road, St. Paul,  Minnesota 55113-1136 and its
telephone number is (612) 633-0805.

     Genetic  Labs  is  engaged  in  the  development,  marketing  and  sale  of
proprietary  consumable wound care products.  Genetic Labs' primary products are
sterile pressure  sensitive  adhesive wound closure strips,  specialty  pressure
sensitive adhesive  fasteners and tubular net dressings.  Genetic Labs purchases
from independent  manufacturers  products that are made to the specifications of
Genetic  Labs.  Genetic  Labs  sells  its  products  to a group of  distributors
servicing  hospitals,  clinics and long term care facilities  within and outside
the United  States.  This group of  distributors  is  augmented  by more than 20
independent manufacturer's representatives in the United States.

                     COMPARATIVE PER SHARE MARKET PRICE DATA

     Derma Sciences  Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq  SmallCap Market under
the  symbol  "DSCI" and on the  Boston  Stock  Exchange  and the  Pacific  Stock
Exchange  under the symbol  "DMS."  Genetic Labs Common Shares are traded on the
NASD Electronic Bulletin Board under the symbol "GELW."

HISTORICAL COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA

     The following table sets forth, for the fiscal quarters indicated, the high
and low bid prices per share of Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock and Genetic  Labs
Common Shares as quoted on the Nasdaq  SmallCap  Market and the NASD  Electronic
Bulletin Board, respectively. Derma Sciences' and Genetic Labs' fiscal years end
December 31 and May 31, respectively.  Accordingly, the periods reflected in the
table  depict for Derma  Sciences  the three  months  ended  March 31,  June 30,
September  30 and December 31 and for Genetic Labs the three months ended August
31, November 30, February 28 and May 31.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       DERMA SCIENCES           GENETIC LABS
                                                        COMMON STOCK            COMMON STOCK
                                                        ------------            ------------
                                                      HIGH        LOW         HIGH         LOW
         Fiscal 1996:
         <S>                                         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>    
                First Quarter   ................     $4.750      $2.250      $0.938       $0.500
                Second Quarter  ................     $4.750      $2.625      $1.125       $0.875
                Third Quarter   ................     $3.875      $2.250      $1.125       $0.125
                Fourth Quarter  ................     $3.125      $1.750      $0.875       $0.500

         Fiscal 1997

                First Quarter   ................     $2.125      $1.125      $0.813       $0.438
                Second Quarter  ................     $2.063      $0.625      $0.625       $0.375
                Third Quarter   ................     $1.250      $0.625      $0.750       $0.500
                Fourth Quarter  ................     $1.750      $0.813      $0.688       $0.438

         Fiscal 1998:

                First Quarter   ................     $2.125      $1.000      $0.469       $0.375
                Second Quarter  ................     $2.125      $1.500      $0.750       $0.375
                Third Quarter   ................      N/A         N/A        $0.531       $0.438
                Fourth Quarter  ................      N/A         N/A        $1.125       $0.438
</TABLE>

                                       37

<PAGE>


RECENT COMPARATIVE PER SHARE AND EQUIVALENT PER SHARE DATA

     The  following  table  sets  forth the  closing  prices  per share of Derma
Sciences  Common Stock and Genetic Labs Common  Shares as reported on the Nasdaq
SmallCap Market and the NASD Electronic Bulletin Board, respectively, on May 11,
1998, the business day preceding public  announcement of the Merger, and on July
15, 1998, and the  equivalent  per share prices (as explained  below) of Genetic
Labs Common Shares on such dates.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              GENETIC LABS
                                       DERMA SCIENCES              GENETIC LABS                EQUIVALENT
                                        COMMON STOCK               COMMON STOCK              PER SHARE PRICE
                                        ------------               ------------              ---------------
<S>                                        <C>                        <C>                        <C>
May 11, 1998 ................              $2.125                     $0.460                     $1.488
July 15, 1998................              $1.250                     $0.500                     $0.875
</TABLE>

     The  equivalent  per share price of a Genetic Labs Common Share  represents
the  closing  price of a share  of  Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock on such  date
multiplied by the Exchange Ratio computed as of such date.


UNAUDITED  PRO  FORMA  COMBINED  CONDENSED  BALANCE  SHEETS  AND  STATEMENTS  OF
OPERATIONS

     The following  Unaudited Pro Forma  Combined  Condensed  Balance Sheets and
Statements of Operations give effect to the Merger of Derma Sciences and Genetic
Labs under the "pooling of interests" method of accounting. Genetic Labs' fiscal
year end is May 31. The Unaudited  Pro Forma  Combined  Condensed  Balance Sheet
combines  Derma  Sciences'  unaudited  balance sheet and Genetic Labs  unaudited
balance sheet at March 31, 1998 as if the Merger occurred on March 31, 1998. The
Unaudited Pro Forma  Combined  Condensed  Statements  of Operations  combine the
historical  results of  operations  of Derma  Sciences  and Genetic Labs for the
three months ended March 31, 1998 and the year ended December 31, 1997 as if the
Merger had occurred at the beginning of these  periods.  The Unaudited Pro Forma
Combined Condensed  Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1996
combines the Pro Forma results of Derma Sciences for the year ended December 31,
1996 and the results of Genetic Labs for the twelve months ended May 31, 1997 as
if the Merger had  occurred at the  beginning of 1996 and the results of Genetic
Labs for the twelve  months ended May 31, 1997 had been  achieved for the twelve
months ended December 31, 1997.

     The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Balance Sheets and Statements of
Operations  do not reflect  cost savings and  synergies  which might be achieved
from the Merger.  The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined  Condensed Balance Sheets and
Statements  of  Operations  do not  purport to be  indicative  of the  operating
results or financial  position that would have been achieved had the Merger been
effected for the periods  indicated or the results or financial  position  which
may be obtained in the future.  These  Unaudited  Pro Forma  Combined  Condensed
Balance  Sheets and Statements of Operations are based on, and should be read in
conjunction  with,  the  audited and  unaudited  financial  statements  of Derma
Sciences,  including the notes thereto,  and the audited and unaudited financial
statements of Genetic Labs,  including the notes thereto,  which are included in
documents  incorporated  by reference in this Joint Proxy  Statement-Prospectus.
See "Incorporation By Reference."

                                       38

<PAGE>


                              DERMA SCIENCES, INC.

              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 MARCH 31, 1998

                                     ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DERMA                  GENETIC             PRO FORMA            COMBINED
                                                       SCIENCES                  LABS              ADJUSTMENTS          PRO FORMA
                                                       --------                 ------             -----------          ---------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                <C>                   <C> 
Current Assets
   Cash and cash equivalents ......................   $ 1,530,412           $    389,949       $         --          $ 1,920,361
   Accounts receivable, net........................       523,924                398,592                 --              922,516
   Inventory.......................................       856,906                596,240                 --            1,453,146
   Current portion of officers' notes receivable...        19,330                  --                    --               19,330
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets.......       371,255                 51,077                 --              422,332
                                                      -----------            -----------        --------------        ----------
     Total Current Assets..........................     3,301,827              1,435,858                 --            4,737,685

Property and equipment, net........................       134,440                113,004                 --              247,444

Officers' notes receivable.........................        90,979                  --                    --               90,979
Intangibles, net...................................       370,413                  --                    --              370,413
Other assets.......................................        54,985                 11,874                 --               66,859
                                                     ------------            -----------        --------------       -----------
       Total Assets................................   $ 3,952,644           $  1,560,736       $         --          $ 5,513,380
                                                       ==========              =========        ==============         =========

                      LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities
   Bank line of credit.............................   $   689,000           $      --          $         --          $   689,000
   Current portion of long-term debt...............         --                     6,213                 --                6,213
   Accounts payable................................       540,663                170,991                 --              711,654
   Accrued expenses and other current liabilities..       510,911                134,117                 --              645,028
                                                       ----------             ----------        --------------        ----------
     Total Current Liabilities.....................     1,740,574                311,321                 --            2,051,895

Long-term debt, net of current portion.............          --                    3,894                --                 3,894
                                                   ---------------          ------------        --------------      ------------

       Total Liabilities...........................     1,740,574                315,215                 --            2,055,789
                                                        ---------             ----------        --------------         ---------

Shareholders' Equity
   Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized
     15,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding
     4,567,632 shares..............................        45,676                  --                   16,817            62,493
   Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized
     12,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding
     2,402,350 shares..............................         --                    24,024            (   24,024)             --
   Convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value,
     authorized 1,750,000 shares, issued and
     outstanding 1,750,000 shares..................        17,500                  --                    --               17,500
   Additional paid-in capital......................     6,170,250                647,078                 7,207         6,824,535
   Retained earnings (accumulated deficit).........    (4,021,356)               574,419                 --           (3,446,937)
                                                        ---------             ----------        --------------        -----------
     Total Shareholders' Equity....................     2,212,070              1,245,521                 --            3,457,591
                                                        ---------              ---------        --------------        ----------
       Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity..   $ 3,952,644           $  1,560,736       $         --          $ 5,513,380
                                                        =========              =========        ==============         =========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes.

                                       39

<PAGE>


                              DERMA SCIENCES, INC.

         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                        THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DERMA                  GENETIC             PRO FORMA            COMBINED
                                                       SCIENCES                  LABS              ADJUSTMENTS          PRO FORMA
                                                       --------                 ------             -----------          ---------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                <C>                   <C>
Net sales..........................................   $ 1,749,546           $    784,811       $         --          $ 2,534,357

Cost of sales......................................       243,862                289,356                 --              533,218
                                                       ----------             ----------        --------------        ----------

Gross profit.......................................     1,505,684                495,455                 --            2,001,139
                                                        ---------             ----------        --------------         ---------

Operating Expenses
   Product development.............................       180,127                  --                    --              180,127
   Selling, general and administrative.............     1,275,729                467,773                 --            1,743,502
                                                        ---------             ----------        --------------         ---------
     Total Operating Expenses......................     1,455,856                467,773                 --            1,923,629
                                                        ---------             ----------        --------------         ---------

Income from operations.............................        49,828                 27,682                 --               77,510
                                                       ----------             ----------        --------------        ----------

Other Income (Expense)
   Interest income.................................        24,374                  --                    --               24,374
   Other income....................................         --                     1,312                 --                1,312
   Interest expense................................    (   14,705)                 --                    --          (    14,705)
                                                        ---------         --------------        --------------        ----------
     Total Other Income ...........................         9,669                  1,312                 --               10,981
                                                       ----------             ----------        --------------        ----------

Income before income taxes.........................        59,497                 28,994                 --               88,491
   Income taxes....................................         --                     8,380                 --                8,380
                                                    -------------             ----------        --------------        ----------

Net income.........................................   $    59,497           $     20,614       $         --          $    80,111
                                                      ===========            ===========       ===============        ==========

Net income per common share -
   basic and diluted...............................   $      0.01           $       0.01       $         --          $      0.01
                                                    =============          =============       ===============      ============

Weighted average number of common
   shares outstanding..............................     4,567,632              2,402,350           (   720,705)        6,249,277
                                                        =========              =========            ==========         =========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes.

                                       40

<PAGE>


                              DERMA SCIENCES, INC.

         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         DERMA                  GENETIC             PRO FORMA            COMBINED
                                                       SCIENCES                  LABS              ADJUSTMENTS          PRO FORMA
                                                       --------                 ------             -----------          ---------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                <C>                   <C> 
Net sales..........................................   $ 4,010,148            $ 3,016,759     $           --          $ 7,026,907

Cost of sales......................................       793,212              1,090,980                 --            1,884,192

Gross profit.......................................     3,216,936              1,925,779                 --            5,142,715

Operating Expenses
   Product development.............................       386,283                   -                    --              386,283
   Selling, general and administrative.............     5,335,467              1,772,947                 --            7,108,414
                                                        ---------              ---------        --------------         ---------
     Total Operating Expenses......................     5,721,750              1,772,947                 --            7,494,697
                                                        ---------              ---------        --------------         ---------

Income (loss) from operations......................    (2,504,814)               152,832                 --           (2,351,982)
                                                        ---------             ----------        --------------         ---------

Other Income (Expense)
   Interest income.................................       154,155                  --                    --              154,155
   Other income....................................         --                     4,759                 --                4,759
   Interest expense................................   (    65,585)                 --                    --           (   65,585)
                                                       ----------           ------------        --------------        ----------
     Total Other Income ...........................        88,570                  4,759                 --               93,329
                                                       ----------           ------------        --------------        ----------

Income (loss) before income taxes..................    (2,416,244)               157,591                 --           (2,258,653)
   Income taxes....................................           --                  44,000                 --               44,000
                                                       ----------            -----------        --------------        ----------

Net income (loss)..................................   $(2,416,244)          $    113,591       $         --          $(2,302,653)
                                                        =========             ==========        ==============         =========

Net income (loss) per common share -
   basic and diluted...............................   $       (0.58)        $       0.05       $         --          $     (0.39)
                                                       ============          ===========       ===============       ===========

Weighted average number of common shares
   outstanding.....................................     4,150,965              2,401,954           (   720,586)        5,832,333
                                                        =========              =========            ==========         =========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes.

                                       41


<PAGE>


                              DERMA SCIENCES, INC.

         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         DERMA                  GENETIC
                                                       SCIENCES                  LABS             PRO FORMA             COMBINED
                                                    DECEMBER 31, 1996         MAY 31, 1997       ADJUSTMENTS           PRO FORMA
                                                    -----------------         ------------       -----------           ---------
<S>                                                   <C>                   <C>                <C>                   <C> 
Net sales..........................................   $ 4,557,931           $ 2,906,215        $         --          $ 7,464,146

Cost of sales......................................     1,062,392              1,071,651                 --            2,134,043
                                                        ---------              ---------        --------------         ---------

Gross profit.......................................     3,495,539              1,834,564                               5,330,103
                                                        ---------

Operating Expenses
   Product development.............................       803,744                  --                    --              803,744
   Selling, general and administrative.............     4,308,971              1,687,417                 --            5,996,388
                                                        ---------             ----------        --------------         ---------
     Total Operating Expenses......................     5,112,715              1,687,417                 --            6,800,132
                                                        ---------              ---------        --------------         ---------

Income (loss) from operations......................    (1,617,176)               147,147                 --           (1,470,029)
                                                        ---------             ----------        --------------         ---------

Other Income (Expense)
   Interest income.................................       151,854                  --                    --              151,854
   Other income....................................          -                     5,140                 --                5,140
   Interest expense................................    (   63,919)                 --                    --           (   63,919)
                                                        ---------            -----------        --------------         ---------
     Total Other Income............................        87,935                  5,140                 --               93,075
                                                        ---------            -----------        --------------         ---------

Income (loss) before income taxes..................    (1,529,241)               152,287                 --           (1,376,954)
   Income taxes (benefits).........................    (   92,976)                39,500                 --           (   53,476)
                                                        ---------            -----------        --------------       -----------

Net income (loss)..................................   $(1,436,265)          $    112,787       $         --          $(1,323,478)
                                                        =========            ===========        ==============         =========

Net income (loss) per common share -
   basic and diluted...............................   $     (0.35)          $       0.05       $         --          $     (0.23)
                                                       ==========            ===========        ==============        ==========
Weighted average number of common shares
   outstanding.....................................     4,079,233              2,401,392            (  720,418)        5,760,207
                                                        =========              =========             =========         =========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes.

                                       42

<PAGE>


NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS AND STATEMENTS OF
OPERATIONS

A.  PRO FORMA BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ADJUSTMENTS

     On July 7, 1998,  Derma Sciences,  Inc. ("Derma  Sciences")  entered into a
definitive merger agreement (the "Merger Agreement") with Genetic  Laboratories,
Inc.  ("Genetic Labs"),  pursuant to which Derma Sciences is expected to acquire
Genetic Labs in exchange for approximately 1,683,000 shares of common stock, par
value $.01 per share, of Derma Sciences common stock.

     The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Balance Sheets and Statements of
Operations  are  intended  for  information  purposes  and are  not  necessarily
indicative  of the  future  combined  financial  position  or future  results of
operations of the combined entity.  These Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed
Balance Sheets and Statements of Operations  should be read in conjunction  with
the  financial  statements  and notes  thereto  included in Derma  Sciences' and
Genetic  Labs  Current  Reports on Form 8-K,  Annual  Reports on Form 10-KSB and
Interim Reports on Form 10-QSB.

B. PRO FORMA  ADJUSTMENTS  TO UNAUDITED  PRO FORMA  COMBINED  CONDENSED  BALANCE
SHEETS AND STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Balance Sheet

     The  Unaudited Pro Forma  Combined  Condensed  Balance  Sheet  reflects the
merger  of  Derma  Sciences  and  Genetic  Labs  under  the  pooling  method  of
accounting,  as if the transaction had occurred on March 31, 1998. The Pro Forma
adjustment  to reflect  the  cancellation  of the  outstanding  common  stock of
Genetic  Labs and the  issuance of new common  stock for the Genetic Labs common
shares by Derma Sciences is reflected under the Stockholder's  equity section of
the balance sheet  through  common stock and  additional  paid-in  capital.  The
common  stock of Genetic  Labs was reduced by $24,024  while the common stock of
Derma  Sciences was increased by $16,817 and the additional  paid-in  capital of
Derma  Sciences was increased by $7,207 due to the  calculation  of the Exchange
Ratio of 0.7  shares of Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock for each share of Genetic
Labs Common Stock outstanding.

Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Condensed Statements of Operations

     The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined  Condensed  Statements of Operations  have
been prepared  assuming the merger of Derma  Sciences and Genetic Labs had taken
place at the beginning of such periods. Pro Forma adjustments during each of the
periods  which  include the three months  ended March 31,  1998,  the year ended
December 31, 1997 and the year ended  December 31, 1996 (year ended May 31, 1997
for Genetic Labs) reflect the reduction in the weighted average number of common
shares  outstanding for Genetic Labs due to the  exchange/conversion  with Derma
Sciences  common  shares.  This  reduction of shares  amounted to  approximately
721,000  during  such  periods.  The  Unaudited  Pro  Forma  Combined  Condensed
Statement of Operations  for the year ended December 31, 1996 includes net sales
and net  income  of  Genetic  Labs for the five  months  ended  May 31,  1997 of
$1,185,220 and $40,994,  respectively,  which are also included in the Unaudited
Pro Forma Combined Condensed Statement of Operations for the year ended December
31, 1997. There were no inter-corporate transactions that required elimination.

         COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF DERMA SCIENCES COMMON STOCK
                          AND GENETIC LABS COMMON STOCK

INTRODUCTION

     Derma  Sciences  is  incorporated  under  the laws of the  Commonwealth  of
Pennsylvania  and Genetic  Labs is  incorporated  under the laws of the State of
Minnesota.  If the Merger is  consummated,  the  holders of Genetic  Labs Common
Shares,  whose rights as shareholders  are currently  governed by Minnesota law,
the Genetic Labs Articles of Incorporation  (the "Genetic Labs  Articles"),  and

                                       43

<PAGE>


the Bylaws of Genetic Labs (the "Genetic Labs Bylaws"),  will, upon the exchange
of their Genetic Labs Common  Shares  pursuant to the Merger  Agreement,  become
holders of shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock,  and their rights as such will
be  governed by  Pennsylvania  law, by the  Articles of  Incorporation  of Derma
Sciences (the "Derma  Sciences  Articles") and the Bylaws of Derma Sciences (the
"Derma Sciences Bylaws"). The material differences between the rights of holders
of Genetic  Labs  Common  Shares and of the rights of holders of Derma  Sciences
Common Stock,  resulting from  differences in their governing  documents and the
application of Minnesota or Pennsylvania law thereto, are summarized below.

     The  following  summary does not purport to be a complete  statement of the
rights of holders of Derma Sciences Common Stock under  applicable  Pennsylvania
laws,  the  Derma  Sciences   Articles  and  the  Derma  Sciences  Bylaws  or  a
comprehensive  comparison  with the rights of the holders of Genetic Labs Common
Shares  under  applicable  Minnesota  laws,  the Genetic  Labs  Articles and the
Genetic  Labs  Bylaws,  or a complete  description  of the  specific  provisions
referred to herein. The  identification of specific  differences is not meant to
indicate that other equally or more significant  differences do not exist.  This
summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the  Pennsylvania  Business
Corporation  Law  ("PBCL")  and the  governing  corporate  instruments  of Derma
Sciences, to the MBCA and the governing corporate instruments of Genetic Labs to
which holders of Genetic Labs Common Shares are referred.  For information as to
how such documents may be obtained, see "Incorporation By Reference."

AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK

     The PBCL requires that a corporation's  articles of incorporation set forth
the total  number of shares of all  classes of stock which the  corporation  has
authority  to  issue  and a  statement  of  the  designations  and  the  powers,
preferences  and rights,  and the  qualifications,  limitations or  restrictions
thereof.  The Derma Sciences  Articles provide that Derma Sciences has authority
to issue  16,750,000  shares of capital stock,  of which  15,000,000  shares are
shares of Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock,  and  1,750,000  shares  are  Series A
Convertible   Preferred  Stock,  par  value  $.01  per  share.  For  a  complete
description of Derma  Sciences'  Capital Stock,  please refer to Derma Sciences'
Form 8-A and Special Meeting Proxy  Statement  which documents are  incorporated
herein by reference.

     The MBCA requires that a corporation's  articles of incorporation set forth
the aggregate  number of shares of stock which the  corporation has authority to
issue and, if separate  classes or series are to be issued,  the articles  shall
set forth (or allow the board to  establish)  the  classes or series  into which
such  stock may be  divided  and the  number of shares of each  class  which the
corporation  is  authorized  to issue  and,  if there is more  than one class or
series, the relative rights and preferences of each class or series. The Genetic
Labs  Articles  provide  that Genetic  Labs has  authority  to issue  12,000,000
Genetic Labs Common Shares.

BOARD OR SHAREHOLDER APPROVED PREFERRED STOCK

     The PBCL permits a  corporation's  articles of  incorporation  to allow its
board of directors to issue, without shareholder  approval,  series of preferred
or preference stock and to designate their rights,  preferences,  privileges and
restrictions.  Derma Sciences'  articles do not so provide.  Currently there are
1,750,000 shares of Series A Convertible  Preferred Stock outstanding.  However,
please see "Recent  Developments" for information about the possible issuance of
additional preferred stock.

     The MBCA permits a  corporation's  articles of  incorporation  to allow its
directors  to  determine  the  designation  of a class or series  and to fix the
relative rights and preferences of a class or series of stock.  The Genetic Labs
Articles  grant such power to the Genetic  Labs Board.  Currently,  there are no
preferred shares of Genetic Labs outstanding.

VOTING RIGHTS

     The PBCL states that, unless a corporation's  articles of incorporation or,
with respect to clauses (ii) and (iii) below, the bylaws specify otherwise,  (i)
each share of its  capital  stock is  entitled  to one vote,  (ii) a majority of
voting power of the shares entitled to vote, present in person or represented by
proxy,  shall  constitute  a quorum at a  shareholders  meeting and (iii) in all
matters  other than the  election  of  directors,  the  affirmative  vote of the
majority  of the voting  power of shares,  present in person or  represented  by
proxy at the meeting and  entitled to vote on the subject  matter,  shall be the
act of the  shareholders.  The holders of shares of Derma Sciences  Common Stock
and  Preferred  Stock are  entitled  to one vote per share on all  matters to be
voted on by the shareholders of Derma Sciences.

     The MBCA states  that,  (i) each share of capital  stock is entitled to one
vote,  unless  otherwise  provided  in the  articles  of  incorporation,  (ii) a
majority of voting  power of the shares  entitled to vote  constitutes  a quorum
unless otherwise  provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, and (iii)
action  on  a  matter  (other  than  matters,  such  as  mergers  and  sales  of

                                       44

<PAGE>


substantially all assets, which require the affirmative vote described below) is
approved  by the  greater  of (A) a majority  of the voting  power of the shares
present  and  entitled  to vote on such  matter or (B) a majority  of the voting
power of the minimum number of shares  entitled to vote that would  constitute a
quorum.

     Holders of Genetic Labs Common Shares are entitled to one vote per share on
all matters as to which shareholders are entitled to vote.

NUMBER OF DIRECTORS

     Under the PBCL, the number of directors shall be fixed by, or in the manner
provided in, a  corporation's  bylaws.  A  corporation's  board of directors may
change the authorized  number of directors by an amendment to the  corporation's
bylaws, if fixed therein,  or in such manner as is provided  therein.  The Derma
Sciences  Bylaws  provide  that the number of members of the board of  directors
shall consist of not less than 3 nor more than 15  directors,  such number to be
established by the Board of Directors of Derma Sciences or its shareholders. The
number of directors on the Derma Sciences Board is currently five.

     The  MBCA  provides  that  the  number  of  directors  shall be fixed by or
determined  in the manner  provided  in the  articles  of  incorporation  or the
bylaws.  The Genetic Labs Bylaws state that the  shareholders  have the power to
fix the number of directors from time to time. The Genetic Labs Board  currently
consists of three members.

ELECTION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     The PBCL  provides  that a  corporation's  directors  shall be elected by a
majority of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at
the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. Under the PBCL, a
corporation's  articles of  incorporation  may provide  that  shareholders  of a
corporation  can elect  directors  by  cumulative  voting.  The  Derma  Sciences
Articles do not provide for  cumulative  voting.  See  "Comparison  of Rights of
Holders of Derma  Sciences  Common Stock and Genetic  Labs Common  Shares-Voting
Rights."

     The PBCL  permits,  but does not require,  the  adoption of a  "classified"
board of  directors  with  staggered  terms  under  which  part of the  board of
directors  is elected  each year for a maximum  term of four years.  In general,
under the PBCL,  any or all of the  directors of a  corporation  may be removed,
with or without  cause,  by vote of the holders of a majority of the shares then
entitled to vote at an election of  directors,  except that the PBCL  authorizes
removal of a member of a classified  board by the  shareholders  only for cause.
The Derma Sciences Articles do not provide for a classified board of directors.

     Under the MBCA,  the method of election for  directors may be imposed by or
in the manner  provided in the  articles of  incorporation  or bylaws.  The MBCA
provides  that  unless the  articles of  incorporation  provide  otherwise,  the
shareholders  of a corporation  can elect  directors by cumulative  voting.  The
Genetic Labs Articles provide that there shall be no cumulative voting.

     The MBCA  permits,  but does not  require,  a  corporation  to  divide  its
directors into classes as provided in its articles of incorporation  and bylaws.
In general,  under the MBCA, any or all of the directors of a corporation may be
removed,  with or without  cause,  by vote of the holders of the  proportion  or
number of voting  power of the  shares of the  classes  or series  the  director
represents  sufficient to elect them,  unless the articles of  incorporation  or
bylaws  otherwise  provide.  The Genetic Labs  Articles  and Bylaws  provide for
staggered  terms  for  directors  but  do  not  modify  the  statutory   removal
provisions.

VOTE ON MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR SALE OF SUBSTANTIALLY ALL ASSETS

     The PBCL generally  requires approval of any merger,  consolidation or sale
of substantially all the assets of a corporation at a meeting of shareholders by
vote of the  holders  of a  majority  of all  shares  voting.  The  articles  of
incorporation of a Pennsylvania  corporation may provide for a greater vote. The
Derma Sciences Articles do not contain such a provision.

     The  MBCA  also  generally  requires  approval  of any  merger  or  sale of
substantially  all the  assets  of a  corporation  that is not in the  usual and
regular  course of  business  by a majority  of the  voting  power of all shares
entitled to vote. Under the MBCA, the articles of incorporation  may provide for
a greater vote. The Genetic Labs Articles do not contain such a provision.

                                       45

<PAGE>


SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

     Under the PBCL, special shareholder meetings of a corporation may be called
by its board of directors  and by any person or persons  authorized  to do so by
its articles of incorporation or bylaws.  Under the Derma Sciences  Articles and
Bylaws,  special  meetings of Derma Sciences'  shareholders,  for any purpose or
purposes,  unless  otherwise  prescribed by statute,  may be called by the Derma
Sciences  Board,  the  Chairman of the Board or the  President  or by holders of
shares  entitled to cast not less than twenty  percent (20%) of the votes at the
meeting.

     Under the MBCA,  a special  meeting  of  shareholders  may be called by the
chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, two or more directors, the
person or persons  authorized by the articles of incorporation or bylaws to call
a special meeting,  or upon demand of a shareholder or shareholders  holding ten
percent (10%) or more of the voting power of the shares entitled to vote, except
that a special  meeting for the purpose of considering any action to directly or
indirectly facilitate or effect a business combination,  including any action to
change or otherwise  affect the  composition  of the board of directors for that
purpose,  must be called upon demand of a shareholder  or  shareholders  holding
twenty-five  percent (25%) or more of the voting power of the shares entitled to
vote. Such shareholders must deliver to the chief executive officer or the chief
financial  officer  one or more  written  demands for the  meeting,  stating the
purpose or purposes  for which it is to be held.  The Genetic  Labs Bylaws state
that a special  meeting  of  shareholders  may be called by the  President,  the
Chairman, three or more directors,  holders of at least ten percent (10%) of the
outstanding  voting shares, or by resolution of the Board of Directors.  Written
notice  of a  special  meeting  shall be given not less than ten days (or in the
case involving a merger,  share  exchange or sale,  lease or exchange of assets,
not less than fourteen days) nor more than sixty days before the meeting.

SHAREHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT

     Under the PBCL, any action by a corporation's shareholders must be taken at
a meeting of such  shareholders,  unless a consent in writing  setting forth the
action so taken is signed by the  shareholders  having not less than the minimum
number of votes necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which
all shares  entitled to vote thereon were present and voted.  Actions by written
consent,  however, may not be taken if otherwise provided for in the articles of
incorporation. The Derma Sciences Articles contain no such prohibition.

     The MBCA provides that any action  required or permitted to be taken at any
meeting of the  shareholders  may be taken without a meeting if all shareholders
entitled to vote on the matter consent to the action in writing.

AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

     The PBCL allows  amendment of a corporation's  articles of incorporation if
its board of directors adopts a resolution setting forth the amendment proposed,
or if  shareholders  holding  at least ten  percent  (10%) or more of the shares
entitled to vote propose an amendment,  and the shareholders  thereafter approve
such proposed  amendment either at a special meeting called by the board for the
purpose of approval of such amendment by the  shareholders or, if so directed by
the board, at the next annual  shareholders'  meeting. At any such meeting,  the
proposed  amendment  generally must be approved by a majority of the outstanding
shares  entitled to vote. The holders of the  outstanding  shares of a class are
entitled to vote as a separate class upon a proposed  amendment,  whether or not
entitled to vote  thereon by the  articles of  incorporation,  if the  amendment
would  increase or decrease the aggregate  number of  authorized  shares of such
class,  increase or decrease the par value of the shares of such class, or alter
or change the powers, preferences, or special rights of the shares of such class
so as to affect them adversely.  If any proposed amendment would alter or change
the powers, preferences, or special rights of one or more series of any class so
as to affect  them  adversely,  but not affect the entire  class,  then only the
shares of the series so affected by the amendment  will be considered a separate
class  for  the  purposes  of a  vote  on  the  amendment.  Under  the  PBCL,  a
corporation's  articles of  incorporation  also may  require,  for action by the
board or by the holders of any class or series of voting securities, the vote of
a greater number or proportion than is required by the PBCL and the provision of
the  articles of  incorporation  requiring  such greater vote cannot be altered,
amended or repealed except by such greater vote. The Derma Sciences  Articles do
not contain provisions  requiring a vote greater than that specified in the PBCL
to amend the Derma Sciences Articles.

     Except as otherwise  provided in the MBCA,  the MBCA  requires  shareholder
approval of amendments to a corporation's  articles of  incorporation.  To amend
the articles of incorporation,  a resolution approved by the affirmative vote of

                                       46

<PAGE>


a  majority  of  the  directors  present,   or  proposed  by  a  shareholder  or
shareholders  holding  three  percent (3%) or more of the voting power of shares
entitled to vote (and, in the event that the  corporation is publicly held, this
provision does not conflict with federal  securities  laws), that sets forth the
proposed  amendment  shall be submitted to the  shareholders.  The  amendment is
generally  approved by the affirmative  vote of the holders of a majority of the
voting  power of the shares  present and  entitled  to vote,  except that if the
articles of  incorporation  or the MBCA provide for a greater number of votes to
adopt such an  amendment,  such greater  number shall be necessary to amend that
provision.  A separate  vote by class or series to approve an  amendment  to the
articles of  incorporation  must be held if the proposed  amendment  would among
other things: (i) change the rights or preferences of the shares of the class or
series or (ii) change the aggregate number of authorized  shares of the class or
series.  The Genetic  Labs  Articles do not  contain  any  provisions  regarding
amendments which depart from those described above in the MBCA.

AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

     Under the PBCL, the power to adopt, amend or repeal a corporation's  bylaws
resides with the shareholders  entitled to vote thereon,  and with the directors
of such  corporation  if such power is conferred  upon the board of directors by
the bylaws.  The Derma  Sciences  Bylaws  authorize the Derma  Sciences Board or
shareholders at any meeting to make, alter or repeal the corporation's Bylaws.

     Under the MBCA, a corporation's  shareholders retain the power to amend the
corporation's  bylaws at any time, and the board of directors also has the power
to amend the  bylaws,  except  for  certain  provisions  relating  to quorums of
shareholders and certain matters relating to directors.  The Genetic Labs Bylaws
permit the shareholders or the Genetic Labs Board to alter,  amend or repeal the
Genetic Labs Bylaws.

LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

     The PBCL permits a corporation,  and the Bylaws of Derma  Sciences  provide
that it shall have the power,  to indemnify  any person who was or is a party or
is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he is or was a director,  officer,
employee  or agent of Derma  Sciences,  or is or was  serving at the  request of
Derma Sciences as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership,  joint  venture,  trust  or  other  enterprise,  against  expenses,
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by him in  connection  with such action,  suit or proceeding if he acted in good
faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in, or in the case of actions
undertaken  other  than in his  official  capacity,  not  opposed  to,  the best
interest  of Derma  Sciences,  and,  with  respect  to any  criminal  action  or
proceeding,  had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful; except
that, in the case of an action or suit by or in the right of Derma Sciences,  no
indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which
such person shall have been  adjudged to be liable for  negligence or misconduct
in the  performance of his duty to Derma Sciences  unless and only to the extent
that the court in which such action or suit was  brought  shall  determine  that
such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for proper expenses.

     The MBCA permits a  corporation  to  eliminate or limit the  liability of a
director to the  corporation  or to its  shareholders  for monetary  damages for
breach of fiduciary duty as a director through a provision in the  corporation's
articles of  incorporation,  except  liability for: (i) breach of the director's
duty of  loyalty,  (ii)  acts or  omissions  not in good  faith or that  involve
intentional  misconduct  or a knowing  violation  of law,  (iii) the  payment of
unlawful  distributions or violations of the Minnesota securities laws, (iv) any
transaction from which the director received an improper personal benefit or (v)
any act or omission occurring prior to the adoption of the article providing for
such  limitation  of  liability.  The  Genetic  Labs  Articles  provide for such
limitation of liability.

     Under the MBCA,  unless the articles of  incorporation  or bylaws otherwise
provide,  directors  as well as  officers  and  employees  shall be  indemnified
against  judgments,   penalties,  fines,  settlements  and  expenses  (including
attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with legal proceedings if: (i) they have
not been  indemnified  by another  organization,  (ii) they acted in good faith,
(iii)  they  received  no  improper  personal  benefit,  (iv) in the case of any
criminal  proceeding,  they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was
unlawful and (v) generally  speaking,  they reasonably believed their conduct to
be in the corporation's best interest.  A corporation shall advance expenses if:
(i) the director, officer or other individual furnishes a written affirmation of
his or her good faith  belief  that he or she has met the  applicable  statutory
standards for indemnification, (ii) he or she furnishes a written undertaking to
repay such amount if it shall  ultimately  be  determined  that he or she is not

                                       47

<PAGE>


entitled to be indemnified by the corporation and (iii) a determination  is made
on behalf of the corporation, in the manner provided in the MBCA, that the facts
then known would not preclude  indemnification.  The Genetic Labs Bylaws provide
to directors,  officers, employees and agents indemnification to the full extent
provided by the MBCA.

PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS

     The PBCL permits the payment of dividends and other distributions if, after
giving effect to such dividend or other  distribution  the  corporation  will be
able to pay its debts in the ordinary  course of business or the total assets of
the  corporation  would be less than the sum of its total  liabilities  plus the
amount that would be needed, if the corporation were to be dissolved at the time
of the  distribution,  to satisfy the  preferential  rights upon  dissolution of
shareholders  whose  preferential  rights are  superior to those  receiving  the
distribution.  Under the PBCL,  if a dividend  is paid out of  capital  surplus,
shareholders need not be so notified, and dividends may in certain cases also be
paid out of net  profits  for the fiscal  year in which  declared  or out of net
profits for the  preceding  fiscal year.  The holders of Derma  Sciences  Common
Stock  are  entitled  to  receive,  pursuant  to the  Derma  Sciences  Articles,
dividends payable either in cash, in property, or in shares of capital stock.

     The MBCA permits  distributions by a corporation if, after giving effect to
such distribution, the corporation will be able to pay its debts in the ordinary
course of business,  unless the articles of  incorporation  or bylaws  otherwise
limit  distributions  and  subject to  certain  limitations  for the  benefit of
certain  preferred  shares.  The Genetic Labs Articles and Bylaws do not contain
any provisions  regarding  distributions which depart from those described above
in the MBCA.

ANTI-TAKEOVER PROTECTION

     Both  Minnesota  and  Pennsylvania   have  enacted   legislation  aimed  at
regulating takeovers of certain corporations and protecting shareholders of such
corporations in connection with certain business  combinations.  Under the MBCA,
if a  publicly-held  corporation  has an  interested  shareholder  (a beneficial
holder of at least 10 percent of the  outstanding  voting  shares,  including an
affiliate or associate of the corporation  who, within the preceding four years,
was a 10 percent shareholder regardless of such person's present shareholdings),
the  corporation  is precluded  from  entering into certain  specified  business
combinations  (including mergers and sales of substantially all assets) with, or
proposed  by, or on behalf of, the  interested  shareholder  (or  affiliated  or
associated  persons) for at least four years after the shareholder  acquired its
10 percent stock interest. The four year restriction does not apply, however, if
a committee of the board of  directors  consisting  of all of its  disinterested
directors  (excluding  current  officers and  employees of the  corporation  and
persons who were officers or employees of the  corporation  within the preceding
five years)  approved the  acquisition  of the 10 percent stock  interest or the
business  combination  before the date on which the shareholder  acquires its 10
percent interest.

     A Minnesota  corporation  is also subject to the control share  acquisition
provisions  of the MBCA  which,  subject  to  certain  exceptions,  require  the
approval of the holders of a majority of the  corporation's  voting shares and a
majority of the corporation's  voting shares held by disinterested  shareholders
before a person purchasing 20 percent or more of the corporation's voting shares
can vote the shares in excess of 20 percent.  Similar shareholder  approvals are
required at the 33 1/3 percent and majority thresholds.

     The MBCA also contains  "anti-greenmail"  provisions  which,  under certain
circumstances,  restrict the ability of publicly-held corporations to repurchase
shares for more than the market  value  thereof  from a person or group  holding
shares  constituting five percent or more of the  corporation's  voting power if
such person or group has beneficially owned such shares for less than two years.

     Finally,  the MBCA also contains a fair price provision which provides that
an offeror  may not  acquire  shares of a  publicly-held  Minnesota  corporation
within two years  following the offeror's last purchase of shares  pursuant to a
takeover offer with respect to that class unless the shareholder is afforded, at
the time of the acquisition,  a reasonable  opportunity to dispose of the shares
to the offeror  upon terms  substantially  equivalent  to those  provided in the
earlier takeover offer. Share  acquisitions  covered by the fair price provision
of the MBCA include  those made by purchase,  exchange,  merger,  consolidation,
partial   or   complete   liquidation,    redemption,   reverse   stock   split,
recapitalization,  reorganization,  or any other similar transaction. The MBCA's
fair price  provision does not apply,  however,  if the acquisition of shares is
approved  by a  committee  of the  board's  disinterested  directors  before the
purchase of any shares by the offeror  pursuant to a takeover  offer.  Also, for
purposes  of the  fair  price  provision,  certain  transactions  are  expressly
excluded from the definition of a "takeover  offer." Such exempted  transactions

                                       48

<PAGE>


include:  (a) repurchase offers by the corporation  unless made in response to a
hostile  takeover bid; (b) tender offers which,  if  consummated,  including the
offeror's  other share  acquisitions  within the preceding 12 months,  would not
result in the acquisition of more than two percent of a class of stock;  and (c)
offers for shares of certain regulated entities,  including insurance companies,
financial institutions and public service utilities.

     Although  Pennsylvania has not enacted  provisions similar to the Minnesota
control share acquisition provisions or "anti-greenmail" provisions contained in
the MBCA, it has enacted provisions that limit certain business  combinations of
Pennsylvania  corporations  (without regard to any nexus with Pennsylvania) with
interested   shareholders.   Under  the  PBCL,  an  interested   shareholder  (a
shareholder whose beneficial ownership in the corporation is at least 20 percent
of the outstanding voting securities, rather than the 10 percent provided in the
MBCA) is precluded  from entering into certain  business  combinations  with the
corporation for a period of 5 years (rather than the 4 year restriction provided
in the MBCA)  following the date on which the  shareholder  became an interested
shareholder  unless,  among  other  exceptions,  prior to such date the board of
directors  (rather than the committee of disinterested  directors as provided in
the MBCA)  approves  either the business  combination  or the  transaction  that
resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder. Unlike the MBCA,
the PBCL provides that the business  combination  provisions  have no effect if:
(i) the tender offer or other  transaction  by which the  shareholder  became an
interested shareholder results in such shareholder  beneficially owning at least
80 percent of the voting  securities  of the  corporation  (exclusive  of shares
owned by directors  who are also  officers and shares owned by certain  employee
stock option plans),  or (ii) the business  combination is approved by the board
of  directors  and  all of the  shares  held  by  shareholders  other  than  the
interested shareholder.

     Derma Sciences has "opted out" of the foregoing anti-takeover provisions to
the extent permitted by the PBCL.

APPRAISAL RIGHTS

     Under the PBCL,  shareholders of corporations  being acquired pursuant to a
merger  have the  right to serve  upon the  corporation  a  written  demand  for
appraisal   of  their  shares  when  the   shareholders   receive  any  form  of
consideration  for  their  shares  other  than:  (i)  shares  of  the  surviving
corporation,  (ii)  shares of any other  corporation  (A)  listed on a  national
securities  exchange,  or (B) held of record by more than 2,000  shareholders or
(iii) cash in lieu of fractional shares or any combination thereof. Shareholders
entitled to appraisal  rights  subsequently  receive  cash from the  corporation
equal to the fair value of their shares  immediately  before the effectuation of
the corporate  action to which the dissenter  objects.  Corporations may enlarge
these  statutory  rights by  including  in their  articles  of  incorporation  a
provision  allowing appraisal rights in any merger in which the corporation is a
constituent corporation. The Derma Sciences Articles contain no such provision.

     The MBCA grants  shareholders  the right to dissent and receive  payment of
the fair value of their shares in the event of certain  amendments or changes to
the articles of  incorporation  adversely  affecting  their  shares,  or certain
business  transactions,  including  certain  mergers.  Unless  the  articles  of
incorporation,  bylaws  or a  resolution  approved  by the  board  of  directors
otherwise provide, this right is not available to a shareholder of the surviving
corporation  in a merger if his shares are not  entitled  to vote on the merger.
The Genetic Labs Articles and Genetic Labs Bylaws do not modify this  limitation
on dissenters' appraisal rights. See "The Merger-Dissenters'  Rights" for a more
detailed discussion of dissenter's rights under the MBCA.

                                       49

<PAGE>


                    OWNERSHIP OF DERMA SCIENCES' COMMON STOCK

     The  following  table sets forth as of June 30,  1998  certain  information
regarding the current  beneficial  ownership of shares of Derma Sciences' Common
Stock by: (i) each person known by Derma Sciences to own beneficially  more than
5% of the  outstanding  shares of Common  Stock,  (ii)  each  director  of Derma
Sciences,  (iii) each  officer of Derma  Sciences,  and (iv) all  directors  and
officers of Derma Sciences as a group:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 NUMBER OF SHARES                 PERCENT
             NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER (1)           BENEFICIALLY OWNED        BENEFICIALLY OWNED(14)
             ----------------------------------------           ------------------        ----------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>                          <C>
Hambrecht & Quist California (2)..........................            1,225,000                    21.15%
Srini Conjeevaram (3).....................................            1,010,000                    18.96%
Mary G. Clark, RN ........................................              775,474                    16.98%
Aries Funds (4)...........................................              750,000                    14.10%
Edward J. Quilty (5)......................................              670,500                    13.34%
Redwood Asset Management (6)..............................              500,000                     9.87%
John T. Borthwick (7).....................................              339,414                     7.30%
First Taiwan Investment Holding, Inc. (8).................              248,000                     5.43%
Charles F. Caudell, III (9) ..............................              160,000                     3.41%
Richard S. Mink (9) ......................................              157,500                     3.36%
Stephen T. Wills, CPA (10)................................              134,166                     2.88%
Laurence F. Lane (11).....................................               24,000                     (*)
Timothy J. Patrick (12)...................................               10,000                     (*)
All directors and officers as a group (8 persons) (13) ...            2,505,580                    40.14%
</TABLE>
___________________
(*)   Less than one percent

(1)  Except as otherwise noted, the address of each of the persons listed is 214
     Carnegie Center, Suite 100, Princeton, New Jersey 08540.
(2)  Hambrecht  & Quist  California  can be  reached  at: One Bush  Street,  San
     Francisco,  California 94104. Ownership consists of 612,500 shares of Class
     A  Convertible  Preferred  Stock  ("Preferred  Stock")  which  is  directly
     convertible to Common Stock and 612,500  warrants to purchase  Common Stock
     exercisable at $0.90 per share ("Warrants").
(3)  Srini  Conjeevaram is a general partner of the Galen III  Partnerships.  He
     and the Galen III Partnerships  can be reached at: 610 Fifth Avenue,  Fifth
     Floor,  New York, New York 10020.  Includes  shares owned by Galen Partners
     III, L.P., Galen Partners  International  III, L.P. and Galen Employee Fund
     III, L.P.  Galen's  Ownership  consists of 250,000  shares of Common Stock,
     375,000 shares of Preferred  Stock and 375,000  Warrants.  Mr.  Conjeevaram
     also has  10,000  shares  subject  to  options  currently  exercisable.  No
     additional shares subject to options will become exercisable within 60 days
     of June 30, 1998.
(4)  The Aries Funds can be reached at: Paramount Capital, Inc., The Aries Fund,
     787 Seventh Avenue,  48th Floor, New York, New York 10019.  Includes shares
     owned by The Aries Fund, A Cayman  Islands Trust and Aries  Domestic  Fund,
     L.P.  Ownership  consists of 375,000 shares of Preferred  Stock and 375,000
     Warrants.
(5)  Includes   460,000  shares  subject  to  options  and  Warrants   currently
     exercisable.   No  additional   shares   subject  to  options  will  become
     exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 1998.
(6)  Redwood Asset  Management can be reached at: Ovre Ullorn  Terrasse 32, 0358
     Oslo,  Norway.  Ownership consists of 250,000 shares of Preferred Stock and
     250,000 Warrants.
(7)  Includes  80,000  shares  subject  to  options  currently  exercisable.  No
     additional shares subject to options will become exercisable within 60 days
     of June 30, 1998.
(8)  First Taiwan Investment  Holding,  Inc. can be reached at: 15/F, 563, Chung
     Hsiao, East Road, Section 4 Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.
(9)  Includes   126,250  shares  subject  to  options  and  Warrants   currently
     exercisable.   No  additional   shares   subject  to  options  will  become
     exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 1998.
(10) Includes   86,083  shares   subject  to  options  and  Warrants   currently
     exercisable   and  9,333  shares   subject  to  options  that  will  become
     exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 1998.
(11) Includes  16,000  shares  subject  to  options  currently  exercisable.  No
     additional shares subject to options will become exercisable within 60 days
     of June 30, 1998.

                                       50

<PAGE>


(12) Includes  10,000  shares  subject  to  options  currently  exercisable.  No
     additional shares subject to options will become exercisable within 60 days
     of June 30, 1998.
(13) Includes  1,673,916  shares subject to options,  Preferred Stock conversion
     capability and Warrants  currently  exercisable and  exercisable  within 60
     days of June 30, 1998 by directors and officers of the Company.
(14) The percent  beneficially  owned by each entity or  individual  assumes the
     exercise  of  all  exercisable  options  (including  those  that  would  be
     exercisable  within 60 days of June 30, 1998),  conversion of all Preferred
     Stock into  Common  Stock and the  exercise of all  Warrants  owned by such
     entity or individual.

            DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF DERMA SCIENCES AND GENETIC LABS

     The  Derma   Sciences   Board  of  Directors   consists  of  the  following
individuals:  Edward J. Quilty, Chairman, John T. Borthwick,  Srini Conjeevaram,
Laurence  F. Lane and  Timothy  J.  Patrick.  The  executive  officers  of Derma
Sciences  are:  Edward J. Quilty,  Chairman  and  Principal  Executive  Officer,
Richard S. Mink, Chief Operating  Officer;  Steven T. Wills,  Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer,  and Charles F. Caudell,  III, Executive Vice President
for Field Operations.

     Information  relative to these  individuals  is  incorporated  by reference
herein to Derma Sciences' Annual Meeting Proxy Statement.

    PROPOSAL TO AMEND AND RESTATE THE DERMA SCIENCES, INC. STOCK OPTION PLAN

SUMMARY OF THE PLAN

General Purpose

     Derma Sciences' Board of Directors believes that providing selected persons
with an  opportunity  to  invest  in  Derma  Sciences  will  give  such  persons
additional  incentive to increase  their efforts on behalf of Derma Sciences and
will enable Derma Sciences and its  subsidiaries  to attract and retain the best
available  associates,  officers,  directors,  consultants  and advisors.  Derma
Sciences' Board of Directors has approved amendments to the Derma Sciences, Inc.
Stock  Option Plan (the  "Plan"):  (i) to increase the number of shares of Derma
Sciences'  Common  Stock  reserved  for  issuance  upon the  exercise of options
granted  under the Plan from  450,000  shares to 1,500,000  shares,  and (ii) to
allow  associates,  officers,  directors,  consultants  and  advisors  of  Derma
Sciences' subsidiaries eligibility for Plan options.

     The Plan was  adopted  in July  1991,  and  amended  in  January,  1994 and
November  21,  1995.  The  amendments  increasing  the  number  of shares of the
Corporation's   common  stock   issuable  under  the  Plan  and  broadening  the
eligibility of the recipients of options pursuant the Plan were adopted by Derma
Sciences'  Board of Directors on July 15, 1998.  The options may either meet the
requirements of Section 422 ("Incentive  Stock Options") of the Internal Revenue
Code  of  1986,   as  amended  (the  "Code")  or  not  meet  such   requirements
("Nonqualified Stock Options").  Key employees,  officers, and directors of, and
consultants  and advisors who render  services to Derma Sciences are eligible to
receive options under the Plan.

Amendment and Restatement

     The Board of Directors  has approved an amendment  and  restatement  of the
Plan including the following two changes requiring  approval by the shareholders
at the  Derma  Sciences  Special  Meeting:  (i)  increase  the  number of shares
available for issuance under the Plan from 450,000 to 1,500,000,  and (ii) allow
officers,  directors,  employees,  consultants  associates and advisors of Derma
Sciences' subsidiaries to participate in the Plan.

     Currently  Derma Sciences has issued  381,000 shares  pursuant to the Plan,
leaving only 69,000 shares  available for future  issuance.  The Board  believes
that an increase in shares  available for issuance is necessary for two reasons:
(i) to enable  Derma  Sciences  to  convert  259,900  outstanding  Genetic  Labs
Incentive  Options to Derma Sciences  Incentive  Options  pursuant to the Merger
Agreement;  and (ii) to have the  ability to issue more  options to attract  and
retain the best available personnel to Derma Sciences and its subsidiaries.

     Pursuant  to the  Merger  Agreement,  if  shareholders  approve  the  above
amendments, Derma Sciences will convert 259,900 shares of Genetic Labs Incentive
Options to Derma  Sciences  Incentive  Options  under the Plan. In order to make

                                       51

<PAGE>


these  options  available  to  Genetic  Labs  officers,  directors,   employees,
consultants,  associates and advisors, and in order to make options available in
the future to personnel of other  subsidiaries  Derma Sciences may acquire,  the
Plan must be amended to broaden eligibility to receive options thereunder.

     Approval of these amendments require the affirmative vote of the holders of
a majority of the shares of Derma  Sciences'  common  stock  represented  at the
Special  Meeting.  The following  summary does not purport to be complete and is
qualified in its entirety by the terms of the Derma Sciences,  Inc.  Amended and
Restated Stock Option Plan which is attached hereto as Appendix C.

Administration of the Plan

     The  Plan  is  administered  by  a  committee  of  disinterested  directors
designated by the Board of Directors (the "Compensation Committee").  Subject to
the  restrictions  of the Plan,  the  Compensation  Committee  determines who is
eligible to receive  stock  options,  the  nature,  amount and timing of options
granted under the Plan, the exercise  price and vesting  schedule of any options
granted, and all other terms and conditions of the options to be granted.

     An  Incentive  Option may not have an exercise  price less than fair market
value of the  common  stock on the date of  grant  or an  exercise  period  that
exceeds  ten  years  from the date of grant  and is  subject  to  certain  other
limitations  which  allow  the  option  holder  to  qualify  for  favorable  tax
treatment. None of these restrictions apply to the grant of Nonqualified Options
which  may  have an  exercise  price  less  than the  fair  market  value of the
underlying  common  stock  on the date of grant  and may be  exercisable  for an
indeterminate period of time.

FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PLAN

     The Plan  permits  the  granting  of  Incentive  Stock  Options  as well as
Nonqualified Stock Options.  Generally, no income is recognized when either type
of option is granted to the option  holder,  but the  subsequent  tax  treatment
differs widely.

     Nonqualified Stock Options.  Generally, upon the exercise of a Nonqualified
Stock  Option,  the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of
exercise  over the option price is ordinary  income to the option  holder at the
time of the  exercise.  The tax basis for the  shares  purchased  is their  fair
market value on the date of  exercise.  Any gain or loss  realized  upon a later
sale of the  shares for an amount in excess of or less than their tax basis will
be  taxed  as  capital  gain or loss  with  the  character  of the  gain or loss
(short-term  or  long-term)  depending  upon how long the shares were held since
exercise.

     Incentive Stock Options. Generally, no regular taxable income is recognized
upon the  exercise of an  Incentive  Stock  Option.  The tax basis of the shares
acquired  will be the  exercise  price.  In  order  to  receive  this  favorable
treatment, shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option
may not be disposed  of within two years after the date the option was  granted,
nor within one year after the  exercise  date (the  "Holding  Periods").  If the
shares are sold before the end of the Holding  Periods,  the amount of that gain
which equals the lesser of the  difference  between the fair market value on the
exercise date and the option price or the difference  between the sale price and
the  option  price is taxed as  ordinary  income  and the  balance,  if any,  as
short-term or long-term  capital gain,  depending  upon how long the shares were
held.  If the Holding  Periods are met, all gain or loss  realized  upon a later
sale of the  shares for an amount in excess of or less than their tax basis will
be taxed as a capital gain or loss.

     Alternative  Minimum Tax. For purposes of determining  the option  holder's
alternative  minimum taxable income subject to the alternative  minimum tax, the
exercise of an  Incentive  Stock  Option by an option  holder will result in the
recognition  of taxable  income at the time of the  exercise of the option in an
amount  equal to the  excess  of the fair  market  value  of the  shares  on the
exercise date over the option price. The alternative minimum tax is paid only if
it exceeds an  individual's  regular  tax. It is imposed at a rate of 26% on the
first $175,000 of alternative minimum taxable income in excess of the applicable
exemption  amount and at a rate of 28% for any  additional  alternative  minimum
taxable income. The exemption amount is phased out for higher income taxpayers.

     Exercise with  Previously-Owned  Shares. All options granted under the Plan
may be  exercised  with  payment  either in cash or, if  authorized  in its sole
discretion by Derma Sciences' Board of Directors,  in previously-owned shares of
Derma Sciences Common Stock at their then fair market value, or in a combination
of both. When previously-owned shares ("Old Shares") are used to purchase shares

                                       52

<PAGE>


("New Shares") upon the exercise of an Incentive  Stock Option or a Nonqualified
Stock  Option,  no gain or loss is recognized by the option holder to the extent
that the total  value of the Old  Shares  surrendered  does not exceed the total
value of all of the New Shares received. If, as would almost always be the case,
the value of the New  Shares  exceeds  the value of the Old  Shares,  the excess
amount  is not  regular  taxable  income  to the  option  holder  if the  option
exercised is an Incentive Stock Option and the Holding  Periods  discussed above
are met for the Old Shares at the time of exercise. The New Shares would also be
subject to the Holding Periods discussed above. On the other hand, if the option
exercised  is a  Nonqualified  Stock  Option,  the  excess  amount is taxable as
ordinary income.

     The Corporation  Deduction.  No deduction is available to Derma Sciences in
connection with the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option if the Holding Periods
discussed above are met. Derma Sciences,  however, is entitled to a deduction in
connection with the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option if the Holding Periods
discussed above are not met in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized
by the option holder  (conditioned upon proper reporting and tax withholding and
subject to possible deduction limitations).  Derma Sciences is entitled to a tax
deduction in connection  with the exercise of a Nonqualified  Stock Option equal
to the ordinary income recognized by the option holder  (conditioned upon proper
reporting and tax withholding and subject to possible deduction limitations).

     1997 Tax Act. Under recently enacted legislation,  capital gains recognized
by option holders generally will be subject to a maximum federal income tax rate
of 20%,  provided the shares sold or exchanged  are held for more than  eighteen
(18)  months.  If the  shares  are  held for  more  than one year but less  than
eighteen  months,  then the capital gains  recognized by option  holders will be
taxed at a maximum federal income tax rate of 28%.

     In general,  Derma  Sciences  will not be  required  to withhold  income or
payroll  taxes on exercise of an  Incentive  Stock  Option that  qualifies as an
Incentive Stock Option as of the exercise date.

     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS  RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS  VOTE FOR APPROVAL
OF THE  AMENDMENTS  TO THE DERMA  SCIENCES,  INC.  STOCK OPTION  PLAN.  UNLESS A
CONTRARY CHOICE IS SPECIFIED,  PROXIES  SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL
BE VOTED FOR APPROVAL OF THE PLAN.

                     OWNERSHIP OF GENETIC LABS COMMON STOCK

     The  following  table sets forth as of June 30,  1998  certain  information
regarding  the current  beneficial  ownership of shares of Genetic  Labs' Common
Stock by: (i) each person known by Genetic Labs to own beneficially more than 5%
of the outstanding  shares of Common Stock,  (ii) each director of Genetic Labs,
(iii) each  officer of Genetic  Labs,  and (iv) all  directors  and  officers of
Genetic Labs as a group:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       NUMBER OF SHARES              PERCENT
             NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER (1)                 BENEFICIALLY OWNED      BENEFICIALLY OWNED (9)
             ----------------------------------------                 ------------------      ----------------------
<S>                                                                      <C>                            <C>
Robert A. Ersek, M.D. (2).......................................           481,898                      19.72%
Arthur A. Beisang (3)...........................................           412,000                      16.91%
H. James Thompson (4)...........................................           143,650                       5.78%
Patrick W. Hopper (5)...........................................           129,898                       5.40%
Brian Gardow (6) ...............................................            29,000                       1.20%
John H. Olson (7)...............................................            26,100                       1.07%
All directors and executive officers as a group (5 persons) (8).         1,092,648                      42.09%
</TABLE>
___________________
(1)  Except as  otherwise  noted,  the address of each of the persons  listed is
     2726 Patton Road, St. Paul, MN 55113.
(2)  Includes  442,898 shares held by various  trusts deemed to be  beneficially
     owned  by Dr.  Ersek.  Also  includes  39,000  shares  subject  to  options
     currently exercisable.  No additional shares are exercisable within 60 days
     of June 30, 1998.
(3)  Includes  178,920  shares  owned  jointly by Mr.  Beisang and his wife with
     respect  to which  Mr.  Beisang  may be deemed to have  shared  voting  and
     investment  power. Also includes 27,000 shares subject to options currently
     exercisable.  No additional  shares are exercisable  within 60 days of June
     30, 1998.

                                       53

<PAGE>


(4)  Includes  80,000  shares  subject  to  options  currently  exercisable.  No
     additional shares are exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 1998.
(5)  Mr. Hopper can be reached at: 2624  Pebblegold  Avenue,  Henderson,  Nevada
     89014.
(6)  Includes  20,000  shares  subject  to  options  currently  exercisable.  No
     additional shares are exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 1998.
(7)  Mr.  Olson can be reached at: 1944 North  Lexington,  Roseville,  Minnesota
     55113. Includes 26,000 shares subject to options currently exercisable.  No
     additional shares are exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 1998.
(8)  Includes  192,000  shares  subject to  options  currently  exercisable.  No
     additional shares are exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 1998.
(9)  The percent  beneficially  owned by each entity or  individual  assumes the
     exercise  of  all  exercisable  options  (including  those  that  would  be
     exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 1998).

                                  LEGAL OPINION

     Matters relating to the legality of the securities being offered hereby are
being  passed  upon by  Hedger &  Hedger,  1800  Linglestown  Road,  Suite  206,
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17110.

                                     EXPERTS

     The financial  statements of Derma Sciences,  Inc.  appearing in its Annual
Report (Form  10-KSB) for the year ended  December 31, 1997 have been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP,  independent  auditors,  as set forth in their report thereon
included therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements
are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given upon the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

     The financial statements of Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc. appearing
in its Annual  Report  (Form  10-KSB)  for the year ended May 31, 1997 have been
audited by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, independent  auditors, as set forth in their
report  thereon  included  therein and  incorporated  herein by reference.  Such
financial  statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such
report  given  upon the  authority  of such firm as experts  in  accounting  and
auditing.

                      MANAGEMENT AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     Certain  information  relating to the management,  executive  compensation,
various  benefit  plans  (including  stock  plans),  voting  securities  and the
principal holders thereof,  certain  relationships and related  transactions and
other related  matters as to Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs may be set forth in
or  incorporated  herein by  reference  to, in the case of Derma  Sciences,  its
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended  December 31, 1997,  and, in the
case of Genetic Labs, its Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended
May  31,  1997,  which  are  incorporated  by  reference  in  this  Joint  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus.  All  documents  filed by Derma  Sciences or Genetic  Labs
pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date
hereof  and prior to the date of the  Special  Meetings,  in the case of Genetic
Labs,  or the  date on  which  the  offering  terminates,  in the  case of Derma
Sciences,  shall be deemed to be  incorporated  herein by reference  and to be a
part hereof from the date of filing of such  documents.  See  "Incorporation  By
Reference."  Derma  Sciences  and Genetic Labs  shareholders  who wish to obtain
copies of these  documents  may  contact  Derma  Sciences  or Genetic  Labs,  as
applicable, at its address or telephone number set forth under "Incorporation by
Reference."

                                       54

<PAGE>


                                                                      APPENDIX A








                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                                  BY AND AMONG

                              DERMA SCIENCES, INC.

                            DERMA MERGING CORPORATION

                                       AND

                      GENETIC LABORATORIES WOUND CARE, INC.

                            DATED AS OF JULY 7, 1998







<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
 ARTICLE I        THE MERGER............................................     A-1

  Section 1.1   The Merger .............................................     A-1
  Section 1.2   Effective Time of the Merger ...........................     A-1
  Section 1.3   Closing ................................................     A-1

 ARTICLE II       THE SURVIVING CORPORATION ............................     A-2

  Section 2.1   Articles of Incorporation ..............................     A-2
  Section 2.2   By-Laws ................................................     A-2
  Section 2.3   Directors and Officers of Surviving Corporation ........     A-2

 ARTICLE III      CONVERSION OF SHARES .................................     A-2

  Section 3.1   Exchange Ratio .........................................     A-2
  Section 3.2   Exchange of Genetic Labs Common Stock; Procedures ......     A-3
  Section 3.3   No Fractional Securities ...............................     A-4
  Section 3.4   Closing of Genetic Labs Transfer Books .................     A-4

 ARTICLE IV       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE
                  GENETIC LABS..........................................     A-4

  Section 4.1   Corporate Organization; Related Entities ...............     A-4
  Section 4.2   Capitalization  ........................................     A-4
  Section 4.3   Authority Relative to This Agreement ...................     A-5
  Section 4.4   Consents and Approvals; No Violations ..................     A-5
  Section 4.5   Reports and Financial Statements .......................     A-6
  Section 4.6   Absence of Certain Changes or Events ...................     A-6
  Section 4.7   Litigation .............................................     A-6
  Section 4.8   Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities .....................     A-7
  Section 4.9   No Default .............................................     A-7
  Section 4.10  Taxes ..................................................     A-7
  Section 4.11  Intellectual Property ..................................     A-9
  Section 4.12  Stockholder Rights Plan ................................    A-10
  Section 4.13  Information in Disclosure Documents and Registration
                    Statement...........................................    A-10
  Section 4.14  Employee Benefit Plans; ERISA ..........................    A-11
  Section 4.15  Vote Required ..........................................    A-12
  Section 4.16  Affiliate Transactions .................................    A-12
  Section 4.17  Brokers ................................................    A-12

 ARTICLE V        REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF DERMA
                  SCIENCES .............................................    A-12

  Section 5.1   Organization ...........................................    A-12
  Section 5.2   Capitalization .........................................    A-13
  Section 5.3   Authority Relative to This Agreement ...................    A-14
  Section 5.4   Consents and Approvals; No Violations ..................    A-14
  Section 5.5   Reports and Financial Statements; ......................    A-14
  Section 5.6   Absence of Certain Changes or Events;
                    Material Agreements ................................    A-15
  Section 5.7   Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities .....................    A-15
  Section 5.8   No Default .............................................    A-15

                                       i

<PAGE>

                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
  Section 5.9   Information in Disclosure Documents and
                    Registration Statement .............................    A-15
  Section 5.10  Taxes ..................................................    A-16
  Section 5.11  Intellectual Property ..................................    A-17
  Section 5.12  Stockholder Rights Plan ................................    A-19
  Section 5.13  Employee Benefit Plans; ERISA...........................    A-19
  Section 5.14  Vote Required...........................................    A-20
  Section 5.15  "Beneficial Owner" Status ..............................    A-20

 ARTICLE VI       CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER ...............    A-20

  Section 6.1   Conduct of Business by Genetic Labs.....................    A-20
  Section 6.2   Conduct of Business by Derma Sciences ..................    A-22
  Section 6.3   Conduct of Business by Derma Merging ...................    A-23

 ARTICLE VII      ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS ................................    A-23

  Section 7.1   Access and Information .................................    A-23
  Section 7.2   No Other Negotiations ..................................    A-23
  Section 7.3   Registration Statement .................................    A-24
  Section 7.4   Proxy Statement-Prospectus; Stockholder Approvals ......    A-25
  Section 7.5   Compliance with the Securities Act .....................    A-25
  Section 7.6   Best Efforts ...........................................    A-26
  Section 7.7   Genetic Labs Stock Options .............................    A-26
  Section 7.8   Public Announcements ...................................    A-27
  Section 7.9   Directors' and Officers' Indemnification ...............    A-27
  Section 7.10  Expenses ...............................................    A-28
  Section 7.11  Listing Application ....................................    A-28
  Section 7.12  Supplemental Disclosure ................................    A-28
  Section 7.13  Letters of Accountants .................................    A-28
  Section 7.14  Conveyance Taxes .......................................    A-28
  Section 7.15  Non-solicitation of Employees...........................    A-29

 ARTICLE VIII     CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER..............    A-29

  Section 8.1   Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect
                    the Merger .........................................    A-29
  Section 8.2   Conditions to Obligations of Derma Sciences and
                    Derma Merging to Effect the Merger .................    A-30
  Section 8.3   Conditions to Obligation of the Genetic Labs to
                    Effect the Merger ..................................    A-31

 ARTICLE IX       TERMINATION ..........................................    A-33

  Section 9.1   Termination ............................................    A-33
  Section 9.2   Effect of Termination  .................................    A-34

 ARTICLE X        GENERAL PROVISIONS ...................................    A-34

  Section 10.1  Amendment and Modification .............................    A-34
  Section 10.2  Waiver .................................................    A-34
  Section 10.3  Survivability; Investigations ..........................    A-35
  Section 10.4  Notices ................................................    A-35
  Section 10.5  Descriptive Headings; Interpretation ...................    A-36
  Section 10.6  Entire Agreement; Assignment ...........................    A-36
  Section 10.7  Governing Law ..........................................    A-36

                                       ii

<PAGE>

                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
  Section 10.8  Severability ...........................................    A-36
  Section 10.9  Counterparts ...........................................    A-36


Exhibit

A - Form of Affiliate Letter







                                      iii

<PAGE>


                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER


         AGREEMENT  AND  PLAN  OF  MERGER,  dated  as  of  July  7,  1998  (this
"Agreement"),  by and among Derma  Sciences,  Inc., a  Pennsylvania  corporation
("Derma Sciences"),  Derma Merging Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation and a
wholly  owned  subsidiary  of Derma  Sciences  ("Derma  Merging"),  and  Genetic
Laboratories Wound Care, Inc., a Minnesota corporation ("Genetic Labs").

         WHEREAS,  the Boards of Directors of Derma Sciences,  Derma Merging and
Genetic Labs deem it  advisable  and in the best  interests of their  respective
stockholders  that Derma Sciences acquire Genetic Labs pursuant to the terms and
conditions of this  Agreement,  and, in  furtherance of such  acquisition,  such
Boards  of  Directors  (and  Derma  Sciences  as the sole  stockholder  of Derma
Merging) have  approved this  Agreement and the merger of Derma Merging with and
into Genetic Labs in  accordance  with the terms of this  Agreement  and, in the
case of Derma Sciences and Derma Merging, the Pennsylvania  Business Corporation
Law of 1988  (the  "PBCL")  and,  in the case of  Genetic  Labs,  the  Minnesota
Business Corporation Act (the "MBCA"); and

         WHEREAS,  for federal  income tax  purposes,  it is  intended  that the
Merger  shall  qualify  as  a  reorganization  within  the  meaning  of  Section
368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code");

         NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration of the foregoing and the respective
representations,  warranties,  covenants and  agreements  set forth herein,  the
parties hereto agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   THE MERGER

SECTION 1.1 THE MERGER. In accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, the
MBCA and the PBCL,  at the  Effective  Time (as defined in Section  1.2),  Derma
Merging shall be merged with and into Genetic Labs (the "Merger"),  the separate
existence of Derma Merging shall thereupon  cease, and Genetic Labs shall be the
surviving corporation in the Merger (sometimes hereinafter called the "Surviving
Corporation")  and shall continue its corporate  existence under the laws of the
State of  Minnesota.  The  Merger  shall have the  effects  set forth in Section
302A.641 of the MBCA.

SECTION 1.2 EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER.  The Merger shall become  effective at
the time of filing of properly  executed Articles of Merger in the form required
by and executed in accordance  with the  provisions  of Section  302A.641 of the
MBCA.  The  parties  hereto  shall  cause  such  filing  to be  made  as soon as
practicable  after the Closing (as  defined in Section  1.3).  When used in this
Agreement,  the term "Effective  Time" shall mean the date and time at which the
Merger shall become effective.

SECTION  1.3  CLOSING.  The  closing of the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement  (the  "Closing")  shall take place at the offices of Derma  Sciences,
Inc., Princeton,  New Jersey, at 10:00 a.m., local time, on the day on which all
of the  conditions  set forth in Article VIII are satisfied or waived or on such
other date and at such other time and place as Derma  Sciences  and Genetic Labs
shall agree (such date, the "Closing Date").

                                       A-1

<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE II

                            THE SURVIVING CORPORATION

SECTION 2.1 ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION.  The Articles of Incorporation of Genetic
Labs in effect at the Effective Time shall be the Articles of  Incorporation  of
the Surviving Corporation until amended in accordance with applicable law.

SECTION 2.2 BY-LAWS.  The By-Laws of Genetic Labs as in effect at the  Effective
Time  shall  be the  By-Laws  of the  Surviving  Corporation  until  amended  in
accordance with applicable law.

SECTION 2.3 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF SURVIVING CORPORATION.

         (a) The directors of the Surviving  Corporation  at the Effective  Time
shall be Edward J. Quilty,  Arthur A. Beisang and Robert A. Ersek, M.D., each of
whom shall hold office from the Effective Time until their respective successors
are duly  elected or  appointed  and  qualified  in the manner  provided  in the
Articles  of  Incorporation  or  By-Laws  of  the  Surviving  Corporation  or as
otherwise provided by law.

         (b) The officers of the Surviving  Corporation  at the  Effective  Time
shall be  Edward  J.  Quilty,  Chairman  of the  Board of  Directors,  Arthur A.
Beisang,  Chief  Executive  Officer,  H.  James  Thompson,  President  and Chief
Operating Officer,  and Robert A. Ersek,  M.D.,  Medical Director,  each of whom
shall hold office from the Effective Time until their respective  successors are
duly elected or appointed and  qualified in the manner  provided in the Articles
of  Incorporation  or  By-Laws  of the  Surviving  Corporation  or as  otherwise
provided by law.

                                   ARTICLE III

                              CONVERSION OF SHARES

SECTION 3.1 EXCHANGE  RATIO.  At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and
without any action on the part of the holder thereof:

         (a) Each share of Genetic Labs Common  Stock,  par value $.01 per share
(the "Genetic Labs Common Stock") issued and  outstanding  immediately  prior to
the Effective Time (other than shares as to which  dissenters  rights shall have
been duly  demanded  and such  demand has been  properly  perfected  pursuant to
Sections  302A.471  and  302A.473 of the MBCA  ("Dissenting  Shares"))  shall be
converted into the right to receive 0.7 shares (the  "Exchange  Ratio") of Derma
Sciences  Common  Stock,  par value $.01 per share (the "Derma  Sciences  Common
Stock"),  in  accordance  with Sections 3.2 and 3.3 hereof upon the surrender of
the certificate formerly representing such share of Genetic Labs Common Stock in
accordance with Section 3.2 hereof.

         (b) The share of Common Stock,  $.01 par value per share (Derma Merging
Common Stock"), of Derma Merging issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective   Time  shall  be  converted  into  and  become  one  fully  paid  and
nonassessable  share of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Surviving
Corporation.

                                       A-2

<PAGE>


         (c) Each  outstanding  option to purchase  Genetic  Labs  Common  Stock
(each,  a "Genetic  Labs Stock  Option")  shall be  converted  into an option to
purchase shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock as more specifically  provided in
Section 7.7.

         (d) The  holders of  Dissenting  Shares,  if any,  shall be entitled to
payment by the Surviving  Corporation (or at the election of Derma Sciences,  by
Derma  Sciences or an  affiliate  of Derma  Sciences)  of the fair value of such
shares in cash to the extent  permitted by and in accordance with the provisions
of Sections 302A.471 and 302A.473 of the MBCA;  provided,  however,  that (i) if
any holder of  Dissenting  Shares  shall  deliver a written  withdrawal  of such
holder's  demand for fair value of such  shares,  or (ii) if any holder fails to
establish  such  holder's  entitlement  to rights to payment as provided in such
Section 302A.473, such holder or holders (as the case may be) shall forfeit such
right to payment for such shares and such shares  shall  thereupon  be deemed to
have been converted  into the right to receive  shares of Derma Sciences  Common
Stock pursuant to Section 3.1(a) as of the Effective Time. Unless Derma Sciences
shall have made the election  referred to in the first  sentence of this Section
3.1(d), the Surviving Corporation shall be solely responsible for, and shall pay
out of its own funds,  any  amounts  which  become due and payable to holders of
Dissenting  Shares, and such amounts shall not be paid directly or indirectly by
Derma  Sciences.  Genetic Labs shall  notify  Derma  Sciences of each demand for
dissenters'  rights  under the MBCA  promptly  after such  demand is received by
Genetic Labs.

SECTION 3.2 EXCHANGE OF GENETIC LABS COMMON STOCK; PROCEDURES.

         (a) Prior to the Closing Date,  Derma Sciences shall  designate a bank,
trust  company  or  transfer  agent  to act as  Exchange  Agent  hereunder  (the
"Exchange  Agent").  As soon as  practicable  after the  Effective  Time,  Derma
Sciences  shall  deposit  with or for the  account of the  Exchange  Agent stock
certificates  representing  the number of shares of Derma Sciences  Common Stock
issuable  pursuant to Section 3.1 in exchange for outstanding  shares of Genetic
Labs Common Stock,  which shares of Derma Sciences  Common Stock shall be deemed
to have been issued at the Effective Time.

        (b) As soon as  practicable  after the Effective  Time,  Derma  Sciences
shall cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of a certificate
or  certificates  which  immediately  prior to the  Effective  Time  represented
outstanding shares of Genetic Labs Common Stock (the  "Certificates")  that were
converted  pursuant  to Section  3.1 into the right to  receive  shares of Derma
Sciences  Common  Stock  (i) a form of  letter of  transmittal  specifying  that
delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall
pass,  only upon proper  delivery of the  Certificates to the Exchange Agent and
(ii)  instructions  for use in  surrendering  such  Certificates in exchange for
certificates  representing shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock. Upon surrender
of a Certificate  for  cancellation  to the Exchange  Agent,  together with such
letter of transmittal,  duly executed,  the holder of such Certificate  shall be
entitled to receive in exchange  therefor (A) a  certificate  representing  that
number of whole shares of Derma Sciences  Common Stock which such holder has the
right to receive  pursuant to the  provisions  of this  Article III, and (B) any
dividends or distributions to which such holder may be entitled. In the event of
a transfer of ownership of Genetic Labs Common Stock which is not  registered in
the transfer  records of Genetic  Labs, a  certificate  representing  the proper
number of shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock may be issued to a transferee if
the Certificate  representing such Genetic Labs Common Stock is presented to the
Exchange  Agent,  accompanied  by all documents  required to evidence and effect
such  transfer,  and by evidence that any  applicable  stock transfer taxes have
been paid.  Until  surrendered  as  contemplated  by this Section  3.2(b),  each
Certificate  shall be deemed at any time after the  Effective  Time to represent
only the right to receive upon such surrender a certificate  representing shares

                                       A-3

<PAGE>


of Derma Sciences Common Stock and any dividends or  distributions  which may be
payable relative thereto.


SECTION 3.3 NO FRACTIONAL  SECURITIES.  No  certificates  or scrip  representing
fractional  shares of Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock  shall be  issued  upon the
surrender for exchange of Certificates  and any such fractional  interests shall
be rounded to the next highest number of whole shares of Derma  Sciences  Common
Stock.

SECTION 3.4 CLOSING OF GENETIC LABS TRANSFER  BOOKS.  At the Effective Time, the
stock  transfer  books of Genetic Labs shall be closed and no transfer of shares
of Genetic Labs Common Stock shall  thereafter be made.  If, after the Effective
Time,  Certificates  are presented to the Surviving  Corporation,  they shall be
cancelled and exchanged as provided in this Article III.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GENETIC LABS

Genetic  Labs  represents  and warrants to Derma  Sciences and Derma  Merging as
follows:

SECTION 4.1 CORPORATE ORGANIZATION; RELATED ENTITIES.

         (a) Genetic Labs is a corporation duly organized,  validly existing and
in good standing  under the laws of the State of Minnesota and has the corporate
power and authority to own or lease its  properties and to carry on its business
as it is presently being  conducted.  Genetic Labs is duly qualified or licensed
as a foreign  corporation  to do  business  and is in good  standing  in,  every
jurisdiction  where the character of Genetic Labs' properties  (owned or leased)
or the nature of its activities makes such qualification or licensure necessary,
except for failures,  if any, to be so qualified or licensed  which would not in
the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect (as hereinafter defined).

         (b)  Genetic  Labs does not own,  directly or  indirectly,  any capital
stock of any  corporation  or have any direct or  indirect  equity or  ownership
interest  of any  kind in any  business,  joint  venture,  partnership  or other
entity.

         (c) The copies of the Articles of Incorporation  and By-Laws of Genetic
Labs  heretofore  delivered to Derma Sciences are complete and correct copies of
such instruments as presently in effect.

         (d) As used in this Article IV, any  reference to any event,  change or
effect having a "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean that such event,  change or
effect is, individually or in the aggregate, materially adverse to the business,
operations,   prospects,   properties,  assets  (including  intangible  assets),
liabilities (including contingent  liabilities),  condition (financial or other)
or results of  operations  of Genetic  Labs or to the ability of Genetic Labs to
consummate the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
For  purposes of this Article IV,  "material"  shall be  determined  in a manner
consistent  with the  standards  consistently  applied by Genetic  Labs' regular
independent  accountants  in  conducting  its audit of Genetic  Labs'  financial
statements.

SECTION 4.2 CAPITALIZATION.

         (a) As of May 31, 1998,  the  authorized  capital stock of Genetic Labs
consists of 12,000,000  shares of Genetic Labs Common Stock,  2,403,150 of which
are issued and outstanding.  As of May 31, 1998,  260,900 shares of Genetic Labs

                                       A-4

<PAGE>


Common Stock are  reserved  for  issuance  pursuant to Genetic Labs Stock Option
Plans and all other  employee  benefit  plans of Genetic Labs (the stock options
issued  pursuant  thereto  being  herein  referred  to as  "Genetic  Labs  Stock
Options"). All of the issued and outstanding shares of Genetic Labs Common Stock
are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

         (b) Except for the Genetic Labs Stock  Options and as disclosed in this
Section  4.2  there  is  no  outstanding  right,  subscription,  warrant,  call,
unsatisfied  preemptive  right,  option or other agreement or arrangement of any
kind  to  purchase  or  otherwise  to  receive  from  Genetic  Labs  any  of the
outstanding  authorized  but unissued  shares of the capital  stock or any other
security  of Genetic  Labs,  (ii) there is no  outstanding  security of any kind
convertible  into or exchangeable  for such capital stock, and (iii) there is no
voting trust or other  agreement  or  understanding  to which  Genetic Labs is a
party or is bound with  respect to the  voting of the  capital  stock of Genetic
Labs.

         (c) None of the awards,  grants or other  agreements  pursuant to which
Genetic Labs Stock  Options were issued have  provisions  which  accelerate  the
vesting or right to exercise such options upon the  execution of this  Agreement
(including the documents  attached as Exhibits hereto),  the consummation of the
transactions  contemplated  hereby (or thereby) or any other "change of control"
or similar events.

SECTION  4.3  AUTHORITY  RELATIVE  TO THIS  AGREEMENT.  Subject  to  shareholder
approval as contemplated  by Section 7.4(a) of this Agreement,  Genetic Labs has
the  requisite  corporate  power and  authority  to  execute  and  deliver  this
Agreement and to consummate the transactions  contemplated hereby. The execution
and delivery of this Agreement by Genetic Labs and the  consummation  by Genetic
Labs  of the  transactions  contemplated  on its  part  hereby  have  been  duly
authorized by the Genetic Labs' Board of Directors and,  except for the approval
of its  stockholders to be sought at the  stockholders  meeting  contemplated by
Section 7.4(a) with respect to this Agreement, no other corporate proceedings on
the part of Genetic  Labs are  necessary  to  authorize  this  Agreement  or for
Genetic Labs to consummate the transactions  contemplated hereby. This Agreement
has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Genetic Labs and constitutes
a valid and binding  agreement of Genetic Labs enforceable  against Genetic Labs
in accordance with its terms.

SECTION 4.4  CONSENTS  AND  APPROVALS;  NO  VIOLATIONS.  Neither the  execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement by Genetic Labs, nor the consummation
by Genetic Labs of the transactions  contemplated hereby, will (i) conflict with
or result in any  breach of any  provisions  of the  charter,  By-Laws  or other
organizational  documents of Genetic  Labs,  (ii)  require a filing  with,  or a
permit,  authorization,  consent or approval  of, any federal,  state,  local or
foreign court,  arbitral tribunal,  administrative agency or commission or other
governmental  or  other  regulatory   authority  or  administrative   agency  or
commission (a  "Governmental  Entity"),  except for the filing of a registration
statement  on Form S-4  under  the  Securities  Act of  1933,  as  amended  (the
"Securities  Act") with respect to Derma Sciences  Common Stock to be offered to
Genetic Labs stockholders,  the filing of the Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), filings or
approvals  required under state securities or "blue sky" laws and the By-Laws of
the National  Association of Securities  Dealers (the "NASD") and the filing and
recordation  of Articles  of Merger as  required by the MBCA,  (iii) to the best
knowledge  of Genetic  Labs  result in a violation  or breach of, or  constitute
(with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a default (or give rise to
any right of termination,  cancellation or acceleration) under, or result in the
creation of any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien, claim or
charge of any kind or right of  others  of  whatever  nature  ("Liens"),  on any
property or asset of Genetic Labs  pursuant to, any of the terms,  conditions or
provisions of any material note,  bond,  mortgage,  indenture,  lease,  license,

                                       A-5

<PAGE>


contract,  agreement or other  instrument or obligation  (each, a "Contract") to
which Genetic Labs is a party or by which it or any of its  properties or assets
may be bound or (iv) to the best  knowledge  of Genetic  Labs  violate  any law,
order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule or regulation of any Governmental
Entity applicable to Genetic Labs or any of its properties or assets, except, in
the case of clauses (ii),  (iii) and (iv), where failures to make such filing or
obtain such  authorization,  consent or approval  would not have,  or where such
violations,  breaches or defaults or Liens would not have, in the  aggregate,  a
Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 4.5 REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  Genetic Labs has timely filed all
reports  required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange  Commission  (the
"SEC")  pursuant to the Exchange Act or the Securities  Act since January,  1988
(collectively, "Genetic Labs SEC Reports"), and has previously made available to
Derma  Sciences  true and complete  copies of all such Genetic Labs SEC Reports.
Such Genetic Labs SEC Reports,  as of their  respective  dates,  complied in all
material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the
Exchange Act, as the case may be, and none of such Genetic Labs SEC Reports,  as
of their respective  dates,  contained to the best knowledge of Genetic Labs any
untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required
to be stated  therein or necessary to make the statements  therein,  in light of
the  circumstances  under which they were made,  not  misleading.  The financial
statements  of Genetic  Labs  included  in Genetic  Labs SEC  Reports  have been
prepared  in  accordance  with  United  States  generally  accepted   accounting
principles  ("GAAP")  consistently  applied  throughout  the  periods  indicated
(except as otherwise noted therein or, in the case of unaudited  statements,  as
permitted by Form 10-QSB of the SEC) and fairly present in all material respects
(subject,  in the case of unaudited  statements,  to normal  recurring  year-end
adjustments and any other adjustments  described therein) the financial position
of Genetic Labs as at the dates thereof and the results of  operations  and cash
flows of Genetic Labs for the periods then ended. Since January, 1988, there has
been no change in any of the significant  accounting  (including tax accounting)
policies, practices or procedures of Genetic Labs.

SECTION 4.6 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. Except as set forth in Genetic
Labs SEC Reports filed as of the date of this Agreement, since May 31, 1997, (a)
Genetic Labs has not  conducted  its business and  operations  other than in the
ordinary  course of business  and  consistent  with past  practices or taken any
actions that, if it had been in effect, would have violated or been inconsistent
with the  provisions of Section 6.1 and (b) there has not been any fact,  event,
circumstance or change affecting or relating to Genetic Labs which has had or is
to the best  knowledge  of  Genetic  Labs  reasonably  likely to have a Material
Adverse  Effect.  Except as set forth on Schedule 4.6 or as would not  represent
Material Adverse Effect,  the  transactions  contemplated by this Agreement will
not  constitute  a change of control  under or require the  consent  from or the
giving  of  notice  to a  third  party  pursuant  to the  terms,  conditions  or
provisions of any Contract to which Genetic Labs is a party.

SECTION 4.7  LITIGATION.  Except for  litigation  disclosed  in the notes to the
financial statements included in Genetic Labs' Annual Report to Stockholders for
the  fiscal  year  ended  May 31,  1997 or in  Genetic  Labs SEC  Reports  filed
subsequent thereto, as of the date hereof, there is no suit, action,  proceeding
or  investigation  pending or, to the best  knowledge  of Genetic  Labs,  either
threatened  against  Genetic Labs or with respect to which Genetic Labs could be
required to provide indemnification or to otherwise contribute to liabilities or
damages relating  thereto,  the outcome of which could reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect; nor is there any judgment,  decree,  injunction,
rule or  order of any  Governmental  Entity  outstanding  against  Genetic  Labs
having, or which, insofar as can reasonably be foreseen,  in the future may have
a Material Adverse Effect.

                                       A-6

<PAGE>


SECTION 4.8 ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. To the best knowledge of Genetic
Labs except for liabilities or obligations which are accrued or reserved against
in Genetic  Labs'  financial  statements  (or  reflected  in the notes  thereto)
included in Genetic Labs SEC Reports or which were incurred  after  February 28,
1998 in the  ordinary  course of business  and  consistent  with past  practice,
Genetic Labs has no  liabilities  or  obligations  (whether  absolute,  accrued,
contingent  or  otherwise)  of a nature  required by GAAP to be  reflected  in a
balance sheet (or reflected in the notes  thereto) or which could  reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 4.9 NO DEFAULT.  Genetic  Labs is not in breach or  violation  of, or in
default  under (and no event has occurred  which with notice or lapse of time or
both would constitute such a breach,  violation or default), any term, condition
or provision of (a) Genetic Labs' Articles of Incorporation  or By-Laws,  or (b)
to the best knowledge of Genetic Labs (i) any order, writ, decree, statute, rule
or regulation of any  Governmental  Entity  applicable to Genetic Labs or any of
its  properties  or assets or (ii) any Contract to which Genetic Labs is a party
or by which Genetic Labs or any of its properties or assets may be bound, except
in the  case of  this  clause  (b),  which  breaches,  violations  or  defaults,
individually  or in the  aggregate,  would not have a Material  Adverse  Effect.
Genetic Labs has, and is in compliance with, all licenses,  permits,  variances,
exemptions,  orders,  approvals  and other  authorizations  of all  Governmental
Entities as are  necessary in order to enable it to own its business and conduct
its business as currently conducted and as currently proposed to be conducted by
Genetic Labs and to enter into the transactions contemplated hereby, the lack of
which,  under  applicable  law,  rule or  regulation,  (A) would render  legally
impermissible  the transactions  contemplated  hereby or (B) could reasonably be
expected to result in the material  impairment  of the continued use or exercise
by Genetic  Labs after the date hereof of any  material  right used or exercised
(or reasonably expected to be used or exercised) by Genetic Labs, in the conduct
of Genetic Labs' business as currently conducted and as currently proposed to be
conducted by Genetic Labs or (C) could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

SECTION 4.10 TAXES.

         (a) Genetic Labs has heretofore  delivered or, as to fiscal year ending
May 31,  1998,  will make  available to Derma  Sciences  when  completed,  true,
correct and complete  copies of the federal,  state,  local and foreign  income,
franchise sales and other Tax Returns (as  hereinafter  defined) filed, or to be
filed,  by  Genetic  Labs for the  years  ended  May 31,  1996,  1997 and  1998,
inclusive.

         (b)(i)  All  returns,  declarations,  reports,  estimates,  statements,
schedules or other information or document with respect to Taxes (as hereinafter
defined) (collectively, "Tax Returns") required to be filed by Genetic Labs have
been timely filed (giving  effect to extensions  granted with respect  thereto),
and all  such Tax  Returns  are  true,  correct  and  complete  in all  material
respects. To the best knowledge of Genetic Labs, Genetic Labs is not required to
file any state Tax Returns other than in the State of Minnesota.

         (ii)  Genetic  Labs has timely  paid all Taxes due or claimed to be due
from it by any federal, state, local, foreign or other taxing authority.

         (iii)  There are no Liens for Taxes  upon the  assets of  Genetic  Labs
except Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable.

         (iv)  Genetic Labs has not received  notice of any  examination  by the
Internal Revenue Service (the  "Service").  No deficiency for any Taxes has been
proposed,  asserted or assessed against Genetic Labs which has not been resolved

                                       A-7

<PAGE>


and paid in full.  There are no  outstanding  waivers,  extensions or comparable
consents regarding the application of the statute of limitations with respect to
any Taxes or Tax Returns  that have been given by Genetic  Labs  (including  the
time for filing of Tax Returns or paying Taxes).

         (v)  Genetic  Labs has not  made  any  change  in  accounting  methods,
received a ruling  from any taxing  authority  or signed an  agreement  with any
taxing  authority which could  reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.

         (vi)  Genetic  Labs has  complied  in all  material  respects  with all
applicable laws,  rules and regulations  relating to the payment and withholding
of Taxes  (including,  without  limitation,  withholding  of Taxes  pursuant  to
Sections 1441 and 1442 of the Code or similar provisions under any foreign laws)
and has,  within  the time  and the  manner  prescribed  by law,  withheld  from
employee wages and paid over to the proper governmental  authorities all amounts
required to be so withheld and paid over under applicable laws.

         (vii) No audit or other  proceeding  by any  federal,  state,  local or
foreign court, governmental,  regulatory, administrative or similar authority is
presently  pending  with  respect to any Taxes or Tax Return of Genetic Labs and
Genetic  Labs has not  received  a  written  notice  of any  pending  audits  or
proceedings.

         (viii)  Genetic  Labs is not a party  to,  is not  bound  by and has no
obligation under, any Tax sharing,  allocation or indemnity agreement or similar
contract or arrangement.

         (ix) There are no outstanding requests, agreements, consents or waivers
to extend the statutory  period of  limitations  applicable to the assessment of
any Taxes or deficiencies against Genetic Labs.

         (x) Except as  previously  disclosed,  no power of attorney  granted by
Genetic Labs with respect to any Taxes is currently in force.

         (xi) Genetic Labs has not, with regard to any assets or property  held,
acquired or to be acquired, filed a consent to the application of Section 341(f)
of the Code,  or  agreed  to have  Section  341(f)(2)  of the Code  apply to any
disposition  of a  subsection  (f)  asset (as such term is  defined  in  Section
341(f)(4) of the Code) owned by Genetic Labs.

         (xii) Genetic Labs has identified  for Derma  Sciences all  agreements,
contracts and arrangements with Genetic Labs, and has provided to Derma Sciences
all such  information  as of the date  hereof  concerning  Genetic  Labs and its
employees as may be necessary to enable Derma  Sciences to determine the amount,
if any, of any "excess parachute  payment" within the meaning of Section 280G of
the Code that could result  solely from the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement.

         (xiii)  Genetic  Labs is not and has not  been  during  the  applicable
period specified in Section  897(c)(1)(A)(ii)  of the Code a "United States real
property holding company" (as defined in Section 897(c)(2) of the Code).

         (xiv)  Genetic Labs has not  participated  in, or  cooperated  with, an
"international boycott" within the meaning of Section 999 of the Code.

                                       A-8

<PAGE>


         (xv) The charges,  accruals  and  reserves  for Taxes  reflected on the
books of  Genetic  Labs are  adequate  under  GAAP to cover the Tax  liabilities
accruing  or  payable by  Genetic  Labs in respect of periods  prior to the date
hereof.

         (xvi) Genetic Labs is not subject to any joint venture,  partnership or
other  arrangement or contract that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal
income tax purposes.

         (xvii)  Genetic Labs is not subject to liability for Taxes of any other
person, including, without limitation, liability arising from the application of
U.S. Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 or any analogous provision of Tax law.

         (c)  For  purposes  of  this  Agreement,   "Taxes"   (including,   with
correlative  meaning,  the term "Tax") shall include all taxes,  charges,  fees,
levies or other  assessments,  including,  without  limitation,  all net income,
gross income,  gross receipts,  sales,  use,  service,  service use, ad valorem,
transfer, franchise,  profits, license,  withholding,  social security, payroll,
employment, excise, estimated, severance, stamp, recording, occupation, property
or other  taxes,  customs  duties,  fees,  assessments  or  charges  of any kind
whatsoever,  whether computed on a separate consolidated,  unitary,  combined or
other basis, together with any interest,  fines, penalties,  additions to tax or
other additional  amounts imposed thereon or with respect thereto imposed by any
taxing authority (domestic or foreign).

SECTION 4.11 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. Genetic Labs owns, licenses or otherwise has
such rights to use, sell,  license or dispose of all industrial and intellectual
property rights,  including without limitation all patents, patent applications,
patent rights, trademarks,  trademark applications,  trade names, service marks,
service mark  applications,  copyrights,  copyright  registrations,  technology,
know-how,  trade  secrets,  proprietary  processes  and formulae  (collectively,
"Intellectual  Property")  as are  material  to the  conduct of the  business of
Genetic Labs as currently  conducted.  Set forth on Schedule  4.11 is a true and
complete listing of (i) all products currently marketed by Genetic Labs, whether
owned by Genetic  Labs or licensed  from others,  indicating  which are owned by
Genetic  Labs and, for any that are  licensed  from others,  the identity of the
licensor,   (ii)  all  of  Genetic  Labs'  registered   trademarks  and  pending
applications  for trademark  registrations,  (iii)  trademarks  that are used in
conjunction  with  the  products  currently  marketed  by  Genetic  Labs and are
licensed from third parties,  indicating the identity of the licensor,  and (iv)
Genetic  Labs'  registered  copyrights  and pending  applications  for copyright
registration.  The rights of Genetic Labs to all such Intellectual  Property are
in full force except as set forth on Schedule 4.11.

         (a) Genetic Labs has the rights to bring  actions for the  infringement
of its rights to the Intellectual  Property  necessary to protect such rights in
the  Intellectual  Property,  with such  exceptions  as could not  reasonably be
expected  to  have  in  the  aggregate  a  Material  Adverse  Effect;   and  the
consummation of the transactions  contemplated  hereby will not (i) give rise to
any right of termination, amendment, renegotiation, cancellation or acceleration
with respect to any license or other agreement to use, sell,  license or dispose
of such Intellectual  Property which could reasonably be expected to have in the
aggregate  a Material  Adverse  Effect or (ii) in any way  impair any  currently
existing right of Genetic Labs to use,  sell,  license or dispose of or to bring
any action  for the  infringement  of any of the  rights of Genetic  Labs to the
Intellectual Property or any portion thereof.

         (b) None of the former or present  employees,  officers or directors of
Genetic Labs holds any right,  title or  interest,  directly or  indirectly,  in
whole or in part, in or to any  Intellectual  Property owned by Genetic Labs and
Genetic Labs does not license from any present or, to Genetic  Labs'  knowledge,
former  employees,  officers  or  directors  of  Genetic  Labs any  Intellectual

                                       A-9

<PAGE>


Property  which is  necessary  for the  business  of Genetic  Labs as  presently
conducted;  Genetic  Labs  is not a party  to any  employment  contract,  patent
disclosure  agreement or any other  contract or  agreement  with any employee of
Genetic Labs relating to any Intellectual Property.

         (c) Each  license and other  agreement  with  respect to the use of any
Intellectual  Property  currently  used in Genetic  Labs'  business  is a valid,
legally binding obligation of Genetic Labs and, to the best knowledge of Genetic
Labs, all other parties thereto,  enforceable in accordance with its terms, with
such  exceptions as could not  reasonably be expected to have in the aggregate a
Material  Adverse  Effect  and except as  enforcement  may be limited by general
principles of equity whether  applied in a court of law or a court of equity and
by  bankruptcy,  insolvency  and similar laws  affecting  creditors'  rights and
remedies  generally,  and Genetic  Labs is not in breach,  violation  or default
thereof  (and no event  has  occurred  which  with the  giving  of notice or the
passage of time or both would constitute such a breach,  violation or default or
give rise to any right of termination, amendment, renegotiation, cancellation or
acceleration  under any such  license or  agreement),  and  Genetic  Labs has no
reason to believe that any other party to any such license or other agreement is
in breach,  violation  or  default  thereof,  other  than,  in each  case,  such
breaches, violations and defaults as could not reasonably be expected to have in
the aggregate a Material Adverse Effect.

         (d) The manufacture,  marketing, use, sale, licensure or disposition of
any  Intellectual  Property  in the manner  currently  used,  sold,  licensed or
disposed  of by Genetic  Labs or in the manner  currently  proposed  to be used,
sold,  licensed or disposed of by Genetic Labs does not and will not violate any
license  or  agreement  between  Genetic  Labs and any  third  party  or, to the
knowledge of Genetic Labs based on  representations  and  warranties  from third
parties from whom Intellectual Property is licensed by Genetic Labs, infringe on
the rights of any person, nor has such an infringement been alleged within three
years  preceding  the  date of this  Agreement  (other  than  such as have  been
resolved);  except as previously  disclosed,  there is no pending or to the best
knowledge  of  Genetic  Labs  threatened  claim  or  litigation  challenging  or
questioning the validity, ownership or right to use, sell, license or dispose of
any Intellectual  Property in the manner in which currently used, sold, licensed
or disposed of by Genetic  Labs,  nor to the best  knowledge  of Genetic Labs is
there a valid basis for any such claim or litigation,  nor to the best knowledge
of Genetic Labs has Genetic Labs received any notice asserting that the proposed
use, sale,  license or  disposition  by Genetic Labs of any of the  Intellectual
Property of Genetic Labs conflicts or will conflict with the rights of any other
party, nor is there a valid basis for any such assertion in each case, with such
exceptions  as could not  reasonably  be  expected  in the  aggregate  to have a
Material  Adverse  Effect;  and  Genetic  Labs  has not  asserted  any  claim of
infringement, misappropriation or misuse within the past three years.

SECTION 4.12 STOCKHOLDER  RIGHTS PLAN.  Genetic Labs has not proposed,  adopted,
approved or implemented any stockholder  rights plan, or authorized the issuance
of  any  similar   dividend  or  the  distribution  of  any  securities  to  its
stockholders,  or entered into any agreement  with respect to the foregoing (any
such plan, authorization,  dividend, distribution or agreement being referred to
herein  as a  "Stockholder  Rights  Plan"),  which  could  have  the  effect  of
restricting,  prohibiting,  impeding or otherwise  affecting the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

SECTION 4.13  INFORMATION IN DISCLOSURE  DOCUMENTS AND  REGISTRATION  STATEMENT.
None of the  information to be supplied by Genetic Labs for inclusion in (i) the
Registration  Statement  to be filed with the SEC by Derma  Sciences on Form S-4
under the  Securities  Act for the  purpose of  registering  the shares of Derma
Sciences  Common  Stock  to  be  issued  in  connection  with  the  Merger  (the
"Registration  Statement")  or (ii) the joint proxy  statement-prospectus  to be
distributed  in connection  with Derma  Sciences' and Genetic Labs'  meetings of

                                      A-10

<PAGE>


stockholders  to vote upon this  Agreement  (the  "Proxy  Statement-Prospectus")
will,  in the  case  of the  Registration  Statement,  at the  time  it  becomes
effective   and  at  the  Effective   Time,   or,  in  the  case  of  the  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  or any amendments thereof or supplements  thereto,  at the
time of the  mailing of the Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  and any  amendments  or
supplements  thereto,  and at the time of the meeting of  stockholders  of Derma
Sciences and Genetic Labs to be held in connection  with the Merger,  contain to
the best  knowledge of Genetic Labs any untrue  statement of a material  fact or
omit to state any material  fact  required to be stated  therein or necessary in
order to make the statements  therein, in light of the circumstances under which
they are made, not misleading.  The Proxy Statement-Prospectus will comply as to
form in all material  respects  with the  applicable  provisions of the Exchange
Act,  and the rules  and  regulations  promulgated  thereunder,  except  that no
representation  is made by Genetic Labs with respect to statements  made therein
based on  information  supplied  by Derma  Sciences or its  representatives  for
inclusion  in the Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  or with  respect  to  information
concerning   Derma   Sciences   incorporated   by   reference   in   the   Proxy
Statement-Prospectus.

SECTION 4.14 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS; ERISA.

         (a) Schedule  4.14 hereto sets forth a true and  complete  list of each
employee  benefit plan,  arrangement  or agreement  that is  maintained,  or was
maintained  or  contributed  to at any time  during the six (6)  calendar  years
preceding the date of this Agreement  ("Genetic Labs Plans"), by Genetic Labs or
by any trade or business,  whether or not incorporated  (an "ERISA  Affiliate"),
which together with Genetic Labs would be deemed a "single  employer" within the
meaning of Section 4001 of the Employee  Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended  ("ERISA").  Neither  Genetic  Labs nor any ERISA  Affiliate  has any
formal plan or commitment to create any  additional  plan or modify any existing
Genetic Labs Plan.

         (b) To the best  knowledge  of Genetic  Labs,  (i) each of Genetic Labs
Plans  that is  subject to ERISA is in  compliance  with  ERISA in all  material
respects;  (ii) each of Genetic Labs Plans intended to be "qualified" within the
meaning  of  Section  401(a)  of the Code is so  qualified;  (iii) no event  has
occurred  which  may  affect  such   qualification  and  the  trusts  maintained
thereunder are exempt from taxation under Section 401(a) of the Code; no Genetic
Labs Plan has an accumulated or waived funding  deficiency within the meaning of
Section 412 of the Code;  (iv) neither  Genetic Labs nor an ERISA  Affiliate has
incurred, directly or indirectly, any material liability (including any material
contingent  liability) to or on account of a Genetic Labs Plan pursuant to Title
IV of ERISA;  (v) no proceedings  have been  instituted to terminate any Genetic
Labs Plan that is subject to Title IV of ERISA;  (vi) no "reportable  event," as
such term is defined in Section  4043(b) of ERISA,  has occurred with respect to
any Genetic Labs Plan;  and (vii) no condition  exists that  presents a material
risk to Genetic  Labs or an ERISA  Affiliate  of  incurring a liability to or on
account of a Genetic Labs Plan pursuant to Title IV of ERISA.

         (c) The current  value of the assets of each of Genetic Labs Plans that
are subject to Title IV of ERISA,  based upon the actuarial  assumptions (to the
extent reasonable)  presently used by Genetic Labs Plans,  equals or exceeds the
present  value of the accrued  benefits  under each such Genetic  Labs Plan;  no
Genetic  Labs Plan is a  multi-employer  plan  (within  the  meaning  of Section
4001(a)(3)  of ERISA) and no Genetic  Labs Plan is a multiple  employer  plan as
defined in  Section  413 of the Code;  and all  contributions  or other  amounts
payable by Genetic  Labs as of the  Effective  Time with respect to each Genetic
Labs Plan in respect of  current  or prior plan years have been  either  paid or
accrued on the  balance  sheet of Genetic  Labs.  There are no pending or to the
best  knowledge of Genetic Labs,  threatened or  anticipated  claims (other than
routine  claims for  benefits)  by, on behalf of or against any of Genetic  Labs
Plans or any trusts related thereto.

                                      A-11

<PAGE>


        (d) To the best knowledge of Genetic Labs,  neither Genetic Labs nor any
ERISA  Affiliate,  nor any Genetic Labs Plan, nor any trust created  thereunder,
nor any  trustee  or  administrator  thereof  has  engaged in a  transaction  in
connection  with which  Genetic  Labs or any ERISA  Affiliate,  any Genetic Labs
Plan,  any such trust,  or any trustee or  administrator  thereof,  or any party
dealing  with any Genetic Labs Plan or any such trust could be subject to either
a material civil penalty assessed  pursuant to Section 409 or 502(i) of ERISA or
a material tax imposed  pursuant to Section 4975 or 4976 of the Code. No amounts
payable under Genetic Labs Plans will, individually or in the aggregate, fail to
be deductible  for federal  income tax purposes by virtue of Section 280G of the
Code. Except for those benefits granted under Genetic Labs previously  disclosed
executive  contracts,  no Genetic Labs Plan provides  death or medical  benefits
(whether or not insured), with respect to current or former employees of Genetic
Labs or any ERISA  Affiliate  beyond their  retirement or other  termination  of
service  other  than (i)  coverage  mandated  by  applicable  law or (ii)  death
benefits  under any "employee  pension plan," as that term is defined in section
3(2) of ERISA.  Except for those benefits  granted under Genetic Labs previously
disclosed executive contracts, the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement will not (i) entitle any current or former employee or officer
of  Genetic  Labs  or  any  ERISA  Affiliate  to  severance  pay,   unemployment
compensation  or any  other  payment,  except  as  expressly  provided  in  this
Agreement  or (ii)  accelerate  the time of payment or vesting,  or increase the
amount of compensation due any such employee or officer.

SECTION 4.15 VOTE REQUIRED. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of
the  outstanding  shares of Genetic  Labs  Common  Stock is the only vote of the
holders of any class or series of  Genetic  Labs'  capital  stock  necessary  to
approve the Merger.  The Board of  Directors  of Genetic Labs (at a meeting duly
called and held or by duly executed written action) has unanimously (i) approved
this Agreement, (ii) determined that the transactions contemplated hereby are in
the best  interests  of the  holders  of  Genetic  Labs  Common  Stock and (iii)
determined to recommend this  Agreement,  the Merger and the other  transactions
contemplated hereby to such holders for approval and adoption.

SECTION  4.16  AFFILIATE  TRANSACTIONS.  Except as disclosed in Genetic Labs SEC
Reports,  there are no  material  contracts  or other  transactions  between the
Genetic  Labs,  on the one hand,  and any (i) officer or director of the Genetic
Labs,  (ii)  record or  beneficial  owner of five  percent or more of the voting
securities  of  Genetic  Labs or (iii)  affiliate  (as such term is  defined  in
Regulation  12b-2  promulgated  under  the  Exchange  Act) of any such  officer,
director or beneficial owner, on the other hand.

SECTION 4.17 BROKERS. No broker,  finder or financial advisor is entitled to any
brokerage,  finder's or other fee or commission in connection with the Merger or
the transactions  contemplated by this Agreement based upon arrangements made by
or on behalf of Genetic Labs.

                                    ARTICLE V

                REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF DERMA SCIENCES

Derma Sciences represents and warrants to Genetic Labs as follows:

SECTION 5.1 ORGANIZATION.

         (a) Derma Sciences is a corporation  duly organized,  validly  existing
and in good standing under the laws of the  Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and has
the  corporate  power to carry on its  business as it is now being  conducted or
presently  proposed  to be  conducted.  Derma  Sciences is duly  qualified  as a
foreign  corporation  to  do  business,   and  is  in  good  standing,  in  each

                                      A-12

<PAGE>


jurisdiction  where the character of its properties owned or held under lease or
the nature of its activities make such qualification necessary, except where the
failure  to be so  qualified  will  not  have  a  Material  Adverse  Effect  (as
hereinafter  defined).  Derma Merging is a corporation  duly organized,  validly
existing  and  in  good  standing  under  the  laws  of  the   Commonwealth   of
Pennsylvania.  Derma  Merging  has not  engaged in any  business  (other than in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions  contemplated  hereby) since
the date of its incorporation.

         (b) Other than Derma Merging,  Derma Sciences has no subsidiaries which
would be required  to be  described  in Derma  Sciences'  Annual  Report on Form
10-KSB pursuant to the rules and regulations under the Exchange Act.

         (c) The copies of the  Articles of  Incorporation  and By-Laws of Derma
Sciences heretofore delivered to Genetic Labs are complete and correct copies of
such instruments as presently in effect.

         (d) As used in this Article V, any  reference  to any event,  change or
effect having a "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean that such event,  change or
effect is, individually or in the aggregate, materially adverse to the business,
operations,   prospects,   properties,  assets  (including  intangible  assets),
liabilities (including contingent  liabilities),  condition (financial or other)
or results of operations of Derma  Sciences or to the ability of Derma  Sciences
to  consummate  the  Merger  and the  other  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement.  For purposes of this Article V, "material"  shall be determined in a
manner  consistent  with the standards  consistently  applied by Derma Sciences'
regular  independent  accountants  in  conducting  its audit of Derma  Sciences'
financial statements.

SECTION 5.2 CAPITALIZATION.

         (a) As of the date of this Agreement,  the authorized  capital stock of
Derma Sciences  consists of 15,000,000 shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock, of
which  4,567,632  shares are issued and  outstanding,  and  1,750,000  shares of
Series A  Convertible  Preferred  Stock,  par value  $.01 per share  ("Preferred
Stock"),  all of  which  are  issued  and  outstanding.  As of the  date of this
Agreement,  options to acquire  1,191,000  shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock
(the "Derma  Sciences  Stock  Options") are  outstanding  under all stock option
plans and contracts of Derma Sciences;  warrants to purchase 2,300,000 shares of
Derma Sciences  Common Stock (the "Derma  Sciences  Warrants")  are  outstanding
under all warrant  agreements of Derma Sciences;  and 5,241,000  shares of Derma
Sciences Common Stock are reserved for issuance pursuant to the Preferred Stock,
the Derma  Sciences Stock Options and the Derma  Sciences  Warrants.  All of the
shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock issuable in exchange for shares of Genetic
Labs Common Stock at the Effective  Time in accordance  with this Agreement will
be,  when  so  issued,   duly  authorized,   validly  issued,   fully  paid  and
nonassessable.

         (b) The authorized capital stock of Derma Merging consists of one share
of Derma Merging Common Stock, which share, as of the date hereof, is issued and
outstanding,  owned by Derma  Sciences  and is  validly  issued,  fully paid and
nonassessable.

         (c) Except as disclosed  in this  Section 5.2 or in the Derma  Sciences
SEC  Reports  (as  hereinafter  defined),  (i)  there is no  outstanding  right,
subscription,  warrant,  call,  unsatisfied  preemptive  right,  option or other
agreement  or  arrangement  of any kind to purchase or otherwise to receive from
Derma Sciences or Derma Merging any of the  outstanding  authorized but unissued
or treasury  shares of the capital stock or any other security of Derma Sciences
or Derma Merging,  (ii) there is no outstanding security of any kind convertible
into or exchangeable for such capital stock.

                                      A-13

<PAGE>


SECTION 5.3 AUTHORITY  RELATIVE TO THIS  AGREEMENT.  Each of Derma  Sciences and
Derma  Merging has the  requisite  corporate  power and authority to execute and
deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions  contemplated  hereby.
The execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of Derma Sciences and Derma
Merging  and the  consummation  by  Derma  Sciences  and  Derma  Merging  of the
transactions  contemplated  on their part  hereby have been duly  authorized  by
their  respective  Boards  of  Directors,  and by  Derma  Sciences  as the  sole
stockholder of Derma Merging,  and,  except for the approval of Derma  Sciences'
stockholders to be sought at the stockholders'  meeting  contemplated by Section
7.4(b),  no other  corporate  proceedings on the part of Derma Sciences or Derma
Merging are  necessary to  authorize  this  Agreement or for Derma  Sciences and
Derma Merging to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement
has been duly and validly  executed and delivered by each of Derma  Sciences and
Derma  Merging and  constitutes  a valid and binding  agreement of each of Derma
Sciences and Derma Merging, enforceable against Derma Sciences and Derma Merging
in accordance with its terms.

SECTION 5.4  CONSENTS  AND  APPROVALS;  NO  VIOLATIONS.  Neither the  execution,
delivery and  performance  of this Agreement by Derma Sciences or Derma Merging,
nor the  consummation  by Derma  Sciences or Derma  Merging of the  transactions
contemplated  hereby  will (i)  conflict  with or  result  in any  breach of any
provisions of the Articles of  Incorporation  or By-Laws of Derma Sciences or of
Derma  Merging  Derma   Sciences(ii)   require  a  filing  with,  or  a  permit,
authorization,  consent or approval of, any  Governmental  Entity except for the
filing of a registration statement on Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act") with respect to Derma Sciences Common Stock to
be   offered   to   Genetic   Labs   stockholders,   the  filing  of  the  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus under the Exchange Act, filings or approvals required under
state  securities  or "blue sky" laws and the By-Laws of the NASD and the filing
and recordation of Articles of Merger as required by the PBCL, (iii) result in a
violation  or breach of, or  constitute  (with or without due notice or lapse of
time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of termination,  cancellation
or  acceleration)  under, or result in the creation of a Lien on any property or
asset  of Derma  Sciences  or  Derma  Merging  pursuant  to,  any of the  terms,
conditions  or provisions  of any material  contract to which Derma  Sciences or
Derma  Merging is a party or by which any of them or any of their  properties or
assets may be bound or (iv) violate any law, order,  writ,  injunction,  decree,
statute,  rule or  regulation  of any  Governmental  Entity  applicable to Derma
Sciences,  Derma Merging or any of their  properties or assets,  except,  in the
case of clauses (ii),  (iii) and (iv),  where the failure to make such filing or
obtain such  authorization,  consent or approval  would not have,  or where such
violations,  breaches or defaults or Liens would not have,  in any such case,  a
Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.5 REPORTS AND FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS.  Derma  Sciences has timely filed
all reports  required to be filed with the SEC  pursuant to the  Exchange Act or
the  Securities  Act since May,  1994  (collectively,  the "Derma  Sciences  SEC
Reports"),  and has previously  made available to Genetic Labs true and complete
copies of all such Derma Sciences SEC Reports.  Such Derma Sciences SEC Reports,
as of  their  respective  dates,  complied  in all  material  respects  with the
applicable  requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as the case
may be,  and  none of such SEC  Reports  contained  any  untrue  statement  of a
material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated  therein
or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading. The financial statements of Derma Sciences
included in the Derma Sciences SEC Reports have been prepared in accordance with
GAAP consistently  applied throughout the periods indicated (except as otherwise
noted  therein or, in the case of  unaudited  statements,  as  permitted by Form
10-QSB  of the SEC)  and  fairly  present  (subject,  in the  case of  unaudited
statements,  to normal, recurring year-end adjustments and any other adjustments
described  therein)  the  financial  position of Derma  Sciences as at the dates
thereof and the results of operations  and cash flows of Derma  Sciences for the

                                      A-14

<PAGE>


periods  then  ended.  Since May,  1994,  there has been no change in any of the
significant  accounting  (including  tax  accounting)  policies,   practices  or
procedures of the Derma Sciences.

SECTION 5.6 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS; MATERIAL AGREEMENTS. Except as
set  forth  in the  Derma  Sciences  SEC  Reports  filed  as of the date of this
Agreement,  since  December 31, 1994,  (i) Derma  Sciences has not conducted its
business  and  operations  other than in the  ordinary  course of  business  and
consistent  with past  practices or taken any actions  that, if such actions had
then occurred and had been in effect,  would have violated or been  inconsistent
with the provisions of Section 6.2, except as disclosed on Schedule 5.6 and (ii)
there has not been any fact, event, circumstance or change affecting or relating
to Derma  Sciences  which has had or is  reasonably  likely  to have a  Material
Adverse Effect.

SECTION  5.7  ABSENCE OF  UNDISCLOSED  LIABILITIES.  Except for  liabilities  or
obligations  which are accrued or reserved against in Derma Sciences'  financial
statements  (or reflected in the notes  thereto)  included in the Derma Sciences
SEC Reports filed as of the date of this  Agreement or which were incurred after
March 31, 1998 in the  ordinary  course of  business  and  consistent  with past
practices,  Derma Sciences has no liabilities or obligations  (whether absolute,
accrued,  contingent or otherwise) of a nature  required by GAAP to be reflected
in a  consolidated  balance sheet (or  reflected in the notes  thereto) or which
could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.8 NO DEFAULT.  Derma  Sciences  is not in breach or  violation,  or in
default under (and no event has occurred  which with notice or the lapse of time
or both  would  constitute  such a breach,  default or  violation)  of any term,
condition or provision of (a) the Derma Sciences'  Articles of  Incorporation or
By-Laws, or (b) (i) any order, writ, decree,  statute, rule or regulation of any
Governmental  Entity  applicable to Derma  Sciences or any of its  properties or
assets or (ii) any  contract to which the Derma  Sciences is a party or by which
Derma  Sciences or any of its  properties  or assets may be bound  except in the
case of this clause (b), which breaches, violations or defaults, individually or
in the aggregate,  would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Derma Sciences has,
and is in compliance with, all licenses, permits, variances, exemptions, orders,
approvals and other authorizations of all Governmental Entities as are necessary
in order to enable it to own its  business and conduct its business as currently
conducted  and as currently  proposed to be  conducted by Derma  Sciences and to
enter  into the  transactions  contemplated  hereby,  the lack of  which,  under
applicable law, rule or regulation,  (a) would render legally  impermissible the
transactions  contemplated  hereby or (b) could reasonably be expected to result
in the material  impairment of the  continued use or exercise by Derma  Sciences
after the date hereof of any  material  right used or exercised  (or  reasonably
expected to be used or  exercised)  by Derma  Sciences,  in the conduct of Derma
Sciences'  business  as  currently  conducted  and as  currently  proposed to be
conducted  by Derma  Sciences  or (c) could  reasonably  be  expected  to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.9 INFORMATION IN DISCLOSURE DOCUMENTS AND REGISTRATION STATEMENT. None
of the  information  to be  supplied  by Derma  Sciences  or Derma  Merging  for
inclusion   in   (i)   the   Registration    Statement   or   (ii)   the   Proxy
Statement-Prospectus will in the case of the Registration Statement, at the time
it becomes  effective  and at the Effective  Time,  or, in the case of the Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  or any amendments thereof or supplements  thereto,  at the
time of the  mailing of the Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  and any  amendments  or
supplements  thereto,  and at the time of the meeting of  stockholders  of Derma
Sciences to be held in connection with the Merger,  contain any untrue statement
of a material  fact or omit to state any  material  fact  required  to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the  statements  therein,  in light of the
circumstances  under  which  they are made,  not  misleading.  The  Registration

                                      A-15

<PAGE>


Statement  and the  Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  will  comply  as to form in all
material  respects with the applicable  provisions of the Securities Act and the
Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,  except that
no  representation  is made by Derma  Sciences with respect to  statements  made
therein based on information supplied by Genetic Labs or its representatives for
inclusion in the  Registration  Statement or the Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  or
with respect to information concerning Genetic Labs incorporated by reference in
the Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement-Prospectus.

SECTION 5.10 TAXES.

          (a)Derma  Sciences has heretofore  delivered or will make available to
Genetic Labs when completed  true,  correct and complete  copies of the federal,
state,  local and  foreign  income,  franchise  sales and other Tax  Returns (as
hereinafter  defined)  filed,  or to be filed.  by Derma  Sciences for the years
ended 1995, 1996, and 1997.

         (b)(i)  All  returns,  declarations,  reports,  estimates,  statements,
schedules or other information or document with respect to Taxes (as hereinafter
defined)  (collectively,  "Tax Returns")  required to be filed by Derma Sciences
have been  timely  filed  (giving  effect to  extensions  granted  with  respect
thereto),  and all such Tax  Returns  are  true,  correct  and  complete  in all
material respects.  Derma Sciences is not required to file any state Tax Returns
other than in the States of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

         (ii) Derma  Sciences has timely paid all Taxes due or claimed to be due
from it by any federal, state, local, foreign or other taxing authority.

         (iii)  There are no Liens for Taxes upon the  assets of Derma  Sciences
except Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable.

         (iv) Derma Sciences has not received  notice of any  examination by the
Internal Revenue Service (the  "Service").  No deficiency for any Taxes has been
proposed,  asserted  or  assessed  against  Derma  Sciences  which  has not been
resolved  and paid in full.  There are no  outstanding  waivers,  extensions  or
comparable consents regarding the application of the statute of limitations with
respect  to any Taxes or Tax  Returns  that have  been  given by Derma  Sciences
(including the time for filing of Tax Returns or paying Taxes).

         (v)  Derma  Sciences  has not made any  change in  accounting  methods,
received a ruling  from any taxing  authority  or signed an  agreement  with any
taxing  authority which could  reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.

         (vi) Derma  Sciences  has complied in all  material  respects  with all
applicable laws,  rules and regulations  relating to the payment and withholding
of Taxes  (including,  without  limitation,  withholding  of Taxes  pursuant  to
Sections 1441 and 1442 of the Code or similar provisions under any foreign laws)
and has,  within  the time  and the  manner  prescribed  by law,  withheld  from
employee wages and paid over to the proper governmental  authorities all amounts
required to be so withheld and paid over under applicable laws.

         (vii) No audit or other  proceeding  by any  federal,  state,  local or
foreign court, governmental,  regulatory, administrative or similar authority is
presently  pending with respect to any Taxes or Tax Return of Derma Sciences and
Derma  Sciences  has not  received  a written  notice of any  pending  audits or

                                      A-16

<PAGE>


proceedings.

         (viii)  Derma  Sciences  is not a party  to, is not bound by and has no
obligation under, any Tax sharing,  allocation or indemnity agreement or similar
contract or arrangement.

         (ix) There are no outstanding requests, agreements, consents or waivers
to extend the statutory  period of  limitations  applicable to the assessment of
any Taxes or deficiencies against Derma Sciences .

         (x) Except as  previously  disclosed,  no power of attorney  granted by
Derma Sciences with respect to any Taxes is currently in force.

         (xi) Derma  Sciences  has not,  with  regard to any assets or  property
held, acquired or to be acquired,  filed a consent to the application of Section
341(f) of the Code, or agreed to have Section 341(f)(2) of the Code apply to any
disposition  of a  subsection  (f)  asset (as such term is  defined  in  Section
341(f)(4) of the Code) owned by Derma Sciences.

         (xii) Derma Sciences has  identified  for Genetic Labs all  agreements,
contracts and arrangements with Derma Sciences, and has provided to Genetic Labs
all such  information  as of the date hereof  concerning  Derma Sciences and its
employees as may be necessary to enable Genetic Labs to determine the amount, if
any, of any "excess parachute payment" within the meaning of Section 280G of the
Code  that  could  result  solely  from the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement.

         (xiii)  Derma  Sciences is not and has not been  during the  applicable
period specified in Section  897(c)(1)(A)(ii)  of the Code a "United States real
property holding company" (as defined in Section 897(c)(2) of the Code).

         (xiv) Derma Sciences has not  participated  in, or cooperated  with, an
"international boycott" within the meaning of Section 999 of the Code.

         (xv) The charges,  accruals  and  reserves  for Taxes  reflected on the
books of Derma  Sciences  are adequate  under GAAP to cover the Tax  liabilities
accruing or payable by Derma  Sciences  in respect of periods  prior to the date
hereof.

         (xvi) Derma Sciences is not subject to any joint  venture,  partnership
or other  arrangement  or  contract  that is treated as a  partnership  for U.S.
federal income tax purposes.

         (xvii)  Derma  Sciences  is not subject to  liability  for Taxes of any
other  person,  including,  without  limitation,   liability  arising  from  the
application  of U.S.  Treasury  Regulation  Section  1.1502-6  or any  analogous
provision of Tax law.

5.11 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.  Derma Sciences owns, licenses or otherwise has such
rights to use, sell,  license or dispose of all  intellectual  property  rights,
including without limitation all patents,  patent  applications,  patent rights,
trademarks,  trademark  applications,  trade names,  service marks, service mark
applications,  copyrights, copyright registrations,  technology, know-how, trade
secrets,   proprietary  processes  and  formulae  (collectively,   "Intellectual
Property")  as are material to the conduct of the business of Derma  Sciences as
currently  conducted.  Set forth on Schedule 5.11 is a true and complete listing
of (i) all products currently marketed by Derma Sciences, whether owned by Derma
Sciences or licensed from others,  indicating  which are owned by Derma Sciences
and, for any that are licensed from others,  the identity of the licensor,  (ii)
all of Derma  Sciences'  registered  trademarks  and  pending  applications  for

                                      A-17

<PAGE>


trademark registrations,  (iii) trademarks that are used in conjunction with the
products  currently  marketed  by Derma  Sciences  and are  licensed  from third
parties,  indicating  the  identity of the  licensor,  and (iv) Derma  Sciences'
registered copyrights and pending applications for copyright  registration.  The
rights of Derma  Sciences to all such  Intellectual  Property  are in full force
except as Set forth on Schedule 5.11.

         (a) Derma Sciences has the rights to bring actions for the infringement
of its rights to the Intellectual  Property  necessary to protect such rights in
the  Intellectual  Property,  with such  exceptions  as could not  reasonably be
expected  to  have  in  the  aggregate  a  Material  Adverse  Effect;   and  the
consummation of the transactions  contemplated  hereby will not (i) give rise to
any right of termination, amendment, renegotiation, cancellation or acceleration
with respect to any license or other agreement to use, sell,  license or dispose
of such Intellectual  Property which could reasonably be expected to have in the
aggregate  a Material  Adverse  Effect or (ii) in any way  impair any  currently
existing right of Derma Sciences to use, sell, license or dispose of or to bring
any action for the  infringement  of any of the rights of Derma  Sciences to the
Intellectual Property or any portion thereof.

         (b) None of the former or present  employees,  officers or directors of
Derma Sciences holds any right,  title or interest.  directly or indirectly,  in
whole or in part, in or to any Intellectual Property owned by Derma Sciences and
Derma  Sciences  does  not  license  from any  present  or,  to Derma  Sciences'
knowledge,  former  employees,  officers  or  directors  of Derma  Sciences  any
Intellectual  Property  which is necessary for the business of Derma Sciences as
presently  conducted;  Derma Sciences is not a party to any employment contract,
patent disclosure agreement or any other contract or agreement with any employee
of Derma Sciences relating to any Intellectual Property.

         (c) Each  license and other  agreement  with  respect to the use of any
Intellectual  Property  currently used in Derma  Sciences'  business is a valid,
legally binding obligation of Derma Sciences and, to the best knowledge of Derma
Sciences,  all other parties thereto,  enforceable in accordance with its terms,
with  such  exceptions  as  could  not  reasonably  be  expected  to have in the
aggregate a Material  Adverse Effect and except as enforcement may be limited by
general  principles  of equity  whether  applied in a court of law or a court of
equity and by  bankruptcy,  insolvency  and similar  laws  affecting  creditors'
rights and remedies generally, and Derma Sciences is not in breach, violation or
default  thereof (and no event has  occurred  which with the giving of notice or
the passage of time or both would constitute such a breach, violation or default
or give rise to any right of termination, amendment, renegotiation, cancellation
or acceleration under any such license or agreement),  and Derma Sciences has no
reason to believe that any other party to any such license or other agreement is
in breach,  violation  or  default  thereof,  other  than,  in each  case,  such
breaches, violations and defaults as could not reasonably be expected to have in
the aggregate a Material Adverse Effect.

         (d) The manufacture,  marketing, use, sale, licensure or disposition of
any  Intellectual  Property  in the manner  currently  used,  sold,  licensed or
disposed of by Derma  Sciences or in the manner  currently  proposed to be used,
sold,  licensed or disposed of by Derma  Sciences  does not and will not violate
any license or agreement  between Derma  Sciences and any third party or, to the
knowledge of Derma Sciences based on  representations  and warranties from third
parties from whom Intellectual Property is licensed by Derma Sciences,  infringe
on the rights of any person,  nor has such an  infringement  been alleged within
three years  preceding the date of this Agreement  (other than such as have been
resolved);  except as  previously  disclosed  there is no pending or  threatened
claim or litigation challenging or questioning the validity,  ownership or right
to use, sell,  license or dispose of any Intellectual  Property in the manner in
which currently used,  sold,  licensed or disposed of by Derma Sciences,  nor is
there a valid  basis for any such claim or  litigation,  nor has Derma  Sciences
received  any  notice  asserting  that  the  proposed  use,  sale,   license  or

                                      A-18

<PAGE>


disposition  by Derma  Sciences  of any of the  Intellectual  Property  of Derma
Sciences  conflicts or will conflict with the rights of any other party,  nor is
there a valid basis for any such assertion in each case, with such exceptions as
could not  reasonably  be expected in the  aggregate to have a Material  Adverse
Effect;  and  Derma  Sciences  has  not  asserted  any  claim  of  infringement,
misappropriation or misuse within the past three years.

SECTION 5.12 STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN. Derma Sciences has not proposed,  adopted,
approved or implemented any stockholder  rights plan, or authorized the issuance
of  any  similar   dividend  or  the  distribution  of  any  securities  to  its
stockholders,  or entered into any agreement  with respect to the foregoing (any
such plan, authorization,  dividend, distribution or agreement being referred to
herein  as a  "Stockholder  Rights  Plan"),  which  could  have  the  effect  of
restricting,  prohibiting,  impeding or otherwise  affecting the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

SECTION 5.13 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS; ERISA.

         (a) Schedule  5.13 hereto sets forth a true and  complete  list of each
employee  benefit plan,  arrangement  or agreement  that is  maintained,  or was
maintained  or  contributed  to at any time  during the six (6)  calendar  years
preceding the date of this Agreement ("Derma Sciences Plans"), by Derma Sciences
or by any trade or business, whether or not incorporated (an "ERlSA Affiliate"),
which together with Derma Sciences  would be deemed a "single  employer"  within
the meaning of Section 4001 of the Employee  Retirement  Income  Security Act of
1974, as amended  ("ERISA").  Neither Derma Sciences nor any ERISA Affiliate has
any  formal  plan or  commitment  to create  any  additional  plan or modify any
existing Derma Sciences Plan.

         (b) To the best  knowledge of Derma Sciences (i) each of Derma Sciences
Plans  that is  subject to ERISA is in  compliance  with  ERISA in all  material
respects;  each of Derma Sciences  Plans  intended to be "qualified"  within the
meaning  of  Section  401(a)  of the Code is so  qualified;  (ii) no  event  has
occurred  which  may  affect  such   qualification  and  the  trusts  maintained
thereunder  are exempt from taxation  under Section 401(a) of the Code; no Derma
Sciences Plan has an accumulated or waived funding deficiency within the meaning
of Section 412 of the Code;  (iii) neither Derma Sciences nor an ERISA Affiliate
has incurred.  directly or  indirectly,  any material  liability  (including any
material  contingent  liability)  to or on  account  of a  Derma  Sciences  Plan
pursuant to Title IV of ERISA; no proceedings  have been instituted to terminate
any  Derma  Sciences  Plan  that  is  subject  to  Title  IV of  ERISA;  (iv) no
"reportable  event," as such term is defined  in Section  4043(b) of ERISA,  has
occurred with respect to any Derma Sciences  Plan;  and (v) no condition  exists
that  presents  a  material  risk to Derma  Sciences  or an ERISA  Affiliate  of
incurring  a liability  to or on account of a Derma  Sciences  Plan  pursuant to
Title IV of ERISA.

         (c) The  current  value of the assets of each of Derma  Sciences  Plans
that are subject to Title IV of ERISA, based upon the actuarial  assumptions (to
the extent reasonable) presently used by Derma Sciences Plans, equals or exceeds
the present value of the accrued  benefits  under each such Derma Sciences Plan;
no Derma Sciences Plan is a  multi-employer  plan (within the meaning of Section
4001(a)(3) of ERISA) and no Derma  Sciences Plan is a multiple  employer plan as
defined in  Section  413 of the Code;  and all  contributions  or other  amounts
payable by Derma  Sciences as of the  Effective  Time with respect to each Derma
Sciences Plan in respect of current or prior plan years have been either paid or
accrued on the balance sheet of Derma Sciences.  There are no pending, or to the
best  knowledge of Derma Sciences  threatened or anticipated  claims (other than
routine  claims for benefits) by, on behalf of or against any of Derma  Sciences
Plans or any trusts related thereto.

         (d) To the best knowledge of Derma Sciences, neither Derma Sciences nor
any  ERISA  Affiliate,  nor any  Derma  Sciences  Plan,  nor any  trust  created

                                      A-19

<PAGE>


thereunder,   nor  any  trustee  or  administrator  thereof  has  engaged  in  a
transaction in connection with which Derma Sciences or any ERISA Affiliate,  any
Derma Sciences Plan, any such trust, or any trustee or administrator thereof, or
any  party  dealing  with any Derma  Sciences  Plan or any such  trust  could be
subject to either a material civil penalty  assessed  pursuant to Section 409 or
502(i) of ERISA or a material  tax imposed  pursuant to Section  4975 or 4976 of
the Code. No amounts payable under Derma Sciences Plans will, individually or in
the  aggregate,  fail to be deductible for federal income tax purposes by virtue
of Section 280G of the Code. No Derma  Sciences  Plan provides  death or medical
benefits  (whether or not insured),  with respect to current or former employees
of Derma  Sciences  or any ERISA  Affiliate  beyond  their  retirement  or other
termination  of service other than (i) coverage  mandated by  applicable  law or
(ii) death benefits  under any "employee  pension plan," as that term is defined
in section 3(2) of ERISA. The  consummation of the transactions  contemplated by
this Agreement will not (i) entitle any current or former employee or officer of
Derma  Sciences  or  any  ERISA   Affiliate  to  severance   pay,   unemployment
compensation  or any  other  payment,  except  as  expressly  provided  in  this
Agreement  or (ii)  accelerate  the time of payment or vesting,  or increase the
amount of compensation due any such employee or officer.

SECTION 5.14 VOTE REQUIRED.  The affirmative  vote of the holders of a majority,
in the  aggregate,  of the shares of Derma Sciences  Common and Preferred  Stock
present in person or represented by proxy at the  stockholders  meeting of Derma
Sciences  contemplated by Section 7.4(b) (provided that the shares so present or
represented  constitute a majority, in the aggregate,  of the outstanding shares
of Derma Sciences Common and Preferred Stock) is the only vote of the holders of
any class or series of Derma  Sciences  capital  stock  necessary to approve the
issuance of shares of Derma Sciences  Common Stock  pursuant to the Merger.  The
affirmative  vote of Derma Sciences,  as the sole stockholder of all outstanding
shares of Derma  Merging  Common  Stock,  is the only vote of the holders of any
class or series of Derma Merging  capital stock necessary to approve the Merger.
The Board of Directors of Derma Sciences (at a meeting duly called and held) has
unanimously (i) approved this Agreement,  (ii) determined that the  transactions
contemplated  hereby are fair to and in the best interests of Derma Sciences and
the  holders of Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock and  Preferred  Stock,  and (iii)
determined to cause Derma Sciences, as the sole stockholder of Derma Merging, to
approve and adopt this  Agreement.  The Board of Directors of Derma  Merging (by
unanimous written consent) has approved this Agreement.

SECTION 5.15 "BENEFICIAL OWNER" STATUS.  Derma Sciences is not, and prior to the
Effective Time will not be, the  "beneficial  owner" (as such term is defined in
Section 302A.011 of the MBCA) of any shares of Genetic Labs Common Stock.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                     CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER

SECTION 6.1 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY GENETIC LABS PENDING THE MERGER. Prior to the
Effective Time,  unless Derma Sciences shall  otherwise agree in writing,  or as
otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement:

     (a) Genetic Labs shall  conduct its business only in the ordinary and usual
course consistent with past practice,  and Genetic Labs shall use its reasonable
efforts to preserve intact the present business organization, keep available the
services of its present officers and key employees, and preserve the goodwill of
those having  business  relationships  with it;  Genetic Labs shall not hire any

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<PAGE>


person to any position  within  Genetic Labs or as a consultant  to Genetic Labs
where the total annual compensation  payable to such person,  whether in cash or
otherwise, would exceed $75,000.

         (b)  Genetic  Labs  shall not (i) amend its  charter,  By-Laws or other
organizational  documents,  (ii) split,  combine or reclassify any shares of its
outstanding capital stock, (iii) declare, set aside or pay any dividend or other
distribution payable in cash, stock or property,  or (iv) directly or indirectly
redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock.

         (c) Genetic Labs shall not (i) authorize for issuance, issue or sell or
agree to issue or sell any  shares  of, or rights or  securities  of any kind to
acquire,  rights or securities convertible into any shares of, its capital stock
(whether  through the  issuance or granting of options,  warrants,  commitments,
subscriptions,  rights to purchase  or  otherwise),  except for the  issuance of
shares of Genetic  Labs Common  Stock upon the  exercise  of Genetic  Labs Stock
Options  outstanding  on the date of this  Agreement;  (ii) merge or consolidate
with  another  entity;  (iii)  acquire or  purchase  an equity  interest in or a
substantial portion of the assets of another  corporation,  partnership or other
business  organization or otherwise  acquire any assets outside the ordinary and
usual course of business and  consistent  with past practice or otherwise  enter
into any material contract,  commitment or transaction  outside the ordinary and
usual  course of  business  consistent  with past  practice;  (iv) sell,  lease,
license, waive, release,  transfer,  encumber or otherwise dispose of any of its
assets  outside the ordinary and usual  course of business and  consistent  with
past  practice;  (v) incur,  assume or prepay any material  indebtedness  or any
other  material  liabilities  other than in the ordinary  course of business and
consistent  with past  practice;  (vi) assume,  guarantee,  endorse or otherwise
become liable or responsible  (whether directly,  contingently or otherwise) for
the  obligations  of any other  person in the  ordinary  course of business  and
consistent  with past  practice;  (vii)  make any  loans,  advances  or  capital
contributions to, or investments in, any other person;  (viii) authorize or make
capital expenditures in excess of the amounts currently budgeted therefor;  (ix)
permit any insurance policy naming Genetic Labs as a beneficiary or a loss payee
to be cancelled or terminated other than in the ordinary course of business;  or
(x) enter into any contract,  agreement,  commitment or arrangement with respect
to any of the foregoing.

         (d) Genetic  Labs shall not (i) adopt,  enter into,  terminate or amend
(except as may be required  by  applicable  law) any Genetic  Labs Plan or other
arrangement  for the  current or future  benefit  or  welfare  of any  director,
officer  or  current  or  former  employee,  (ii)  increase  in any  manner  the
compensation or fringe  benefits of, or pay any bonus to, any director,  officer
or  employee  (except  for normal  increases  in  salaried  compensation  in the
ordinary course of business  consistent  with past practice),  or (iii) take any
action to fund or in any other way secure,  or to accelerate or otherwise remove
restrictions  with respect to, the payment of compensation or benefits under any
employee  plan,  agreement,  contract,  arrangement  or other  Genetic Labs Plan
(including Genetic Labs Stock Option Plans).

         (e) Genetic Labs shall not take any action with respect to, or make any
material change in, its accounting policies or procedures.

         (f)  Genetic  Labs  shall not  knowingly  take any action  which  would
jeopardize qualification of the Merger as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code.

         (g) Genetic Labs shall not  propose,  adopt,  approve or implement  any
Stockholder Rights Plan which could have the effect of restricting, prohibiting,

                                      A-21

<PAGE>


impeding  or  otherwise   affecting  the   consummation   of  the   transactions
contemplated  by this  Agreement  or the Voting  Agreement,  in each case by the
respective parties thereto.

SECTION 6.2 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY DERMA SCIENCES  PENDING THE MERGER.  Prior to
the Effective Time, unless Genetic Labs shall otherwise agree in writing,  or as
otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement:

         (a) The  business  of Derma  Sciences  shall be  conducted  only in the
ordinary and usual course  consistent  with past  practice,  and Derma  Sciences
shall use its  reasonable  efforts  to  preserve  intact  the  present  business
organization,  to keep  available  the services of its present  officers and key
employees, and preserve the goodwill of those having business relationships with
it.

         (b) Derma Sciences shall not declare,  set aside or pay any dividend or
other distribution payable in cash, stock or property.

         (c)  Derma  Sciences  shall  not  split,   combine  or  reclassify  the
outstanding Derma Sciences Common Stock.

         (d) Neither  Derma  Sciences nor Derma Merging shall amend its charter,
bylaws or other organizational documents.

         (e) Except as disclosed on Schedule  5.6 Derma  Sciences  shall not (i)
authorize for  issuance,  issue or sell or agree to issue or sell any shares of,
or rights or securities of any kind to acquire, rights or securities convertible
into any shares of, its capital stock (whether  through the issuance or granting
of  options,  warrants,  commitments,   subscriptions,  rights  to  purchase  or
otherwise),  except for the  issuance of shares of Derma  Sciences  Common Stock
upon the exercise of Derma  Sciences  Stock Options  outstanding  on the date of
this Agreement;  (ii) merge or consolidate with another entity; (iii) acquire or
purchase an equity interest in or a substantial portion of the assets of another
corporation, partnership or other business organization or otherwise acquire any
assets  outside the ordinary and usual  course of business and  consistent  with
past  practice or otherwise  enter into any  material  contract,  commitment  or
transaction  outside the ordinary and usual course of business  consistent  with
past practice; (iv) sell, lease. license, waive. release, transfer,  encumber or
otherwise  dispose of any of its assets outside the ordinary and usual course of
business and  consistent  with past  practice;  (v) incur,  assume or prepay any
material  indebtedness  or any  other  material  liabilities  other  than in the
ordinary  course of business and  consistent  with past  practice;  (vi) assume,
guarantee,  endorse or otherwise become liable or responsible (whether directly,
contingently  or  otherwise)  for the  obligations  of any  other  person in the
ordinary  course of business and consistent  with past practice;  (vii) make any
loans,  advances  or  capital  contributions  to, or  investments  in, any other
person;  (viii) authorize or make capital  expenditures in excess of the amounts
currently  budgeted  therefor;  (ix) permit any  insurance  policy  naming Derma
Sciences as a beneficiary  or a loss payee to be cancelled or  terminated  other
than in the  ordinary  course  of  business;  or (x)  enter  into any  contract,
agreement, commitment or arrangement with respect to any of the foregoing.

         (f) Derma  Sciences  shall not  redeem,  purchase,  acquire or offer to
acquire,  directly or indirectly,  any shares of capital stock of Derma Sciences
or other securities of Derma Sciences.

         (g) Neither Derma Sciences nor Derma Merging shall take any action with
respect  to,  or make  any  material  change  in,  its  accounting  policies  or
procedures.

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<PAGE>


         (h) Neither Derma  Sciences nor Derma Merging shall  knowingly take any
action which would  jeopardize  qualification  of the Merger as a reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code.

SECTION 6.3 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS OF DERMA MERGING During the period from the date
of this Agreement to the Effective  Time,  Derma Merging shall not engage in any
activities  of  any  nature  except  as  provided  in or  contemplated  by  this
Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                              ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

SECTION  7.1 ACCESS AND  INFORMATION.  Each of Genetic  Labs and Derma  Sciences
shall (and shall cause their respective officers, directors, employees, auditors
and  agents  to)  afford to the other and to the  other's  officers,  employees,
financial   advisors,   legal  counsel,   accountants,   consultants  and  other
representatives  reasonable  access during normal business hours  throughout the
period prior to the Effective  Time to all of its books and records  (other than
privileged documents and subject to any confidentiality provisions applicable to
communications between any party and its counsel) and its properties, plants and
personnel and,  during such period,  each shall furnish  promptly to the other a
copy of each  report,  schedule  and  other  document  filed or  received  by it
pursuant  to the  requirements  of federal  securities  laws,  provided  that no
investigation  pursuant to this Section 7.1 shall affect any  representations or
warranties  made herein or the  conditions to the  obligations of the respective
parties to consummate the Merger.  Unless otherwise  required by law, each party
agrees that it shall hold in confidence all  non-public  information so acquired
in accordance with the terms of the confidentiality  agreement dated May 5, 1998
between Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs (the "Confidentiality Agreement").

SECTION 7.2 NO OTHER NEGOTIATIONS.

         (a) Upon execution of this  Agreement,  Genetic Labs will not, and will
use its best efforts to cause  Genetic  Labs'  officers,  directors,  employees,
agents and  affiliates  not to,  directly  or  indirectly,  solicit,  authorize,
initiate or  encourage  submission  of, any  proposal,  offer,  tender  offer or
exchange offer from any person or entity (including any of its or their officers
or  employees)  relating  to  any  liquidation,  dissolution,  recapitalization,
merger, consolidation or acquisition or purchase of all or a material portion of
the  assets  of,  or any  equity  interest  in,  Genetic  Labs or other  similar
transaction  or  business  combination   involving  Genetic  Labs  ("Alternative
Acquisition")  or,  unless the Board of  Directors  of  Genetic  Labs shall have
determined,  after  consultation  with  its  legal  counsel,  that  there  is  a
reasonable  likelihood  that  the  Board  of  Directors  of  Genetic  Labs has a
fiduciary duty to do so, (a) participate in any  negotiations in connection with
or in  furtherance  of any of the  foregoing or (b) permit any person other than
Genetic Labs and its representatives to have any access to the facilities of, or
furnish to any person  other than Derma  Sciences  and its  representatives  any
nonpublic  information  with respect to,  Genetic Labs in connection  with or in
furtherance  of any of the foregoing.  Genetic Labs shall promptly  notify Derma
Sciences if any such proposal or offer,  or contact with any person with respect
thereto,   is  made,  and  shall  promptly  provide  Derma  Sciences  with  such
information regarding such proposal, offer, inquiry or contact as Derma Sciences
may request.

Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  the  restrictions  set forth in this Agreement
shall not prevent the Board of Directors of Genetic Labs (or its agents pursuant
to its instructions)  from taking any of the following  actions:  (a) furnishing
information  concerning Genetic Labs and its business,  properties and assets to

                                      A-23

<PAGE>


any  third  party  or (b)  negotiating  with  such  third  party  concerning  an
Alternative  Acquisition  provided that all of the  following  events shall have
occurred:  (1) such  third  party  has made a written  proposal  to the Board of
Directors of Genetic Labs (which  proposal may be  conditional) to consummate an
Alternative  Acquisition which proposal identifies a price or range of values to
be paid for the  outstanding  securities or  substantially  all of the assets of
Genetic  Labs,  and  if  consummated,  based  on the  advice  of  Genetic  Labs'
investment  bankers,  the Board of Directors of Genetic Labs has  determined  is
financially more favorable to the stockholders of Genetic Labs than the terms of
the Merger (a "Superior  Proposal");  (2) Genetic  Labs' Board of Directors  has
determined, based on the advice of its investment bankers, that such third party
is financially capable of consummating such Superior Proposal;  (3) the Board of
Directors of Genetic Labs shall have  determined,  after  consultation  with its
outside legal  counsel,  that the fiduciary  duties of the Board of Directors of
Genetic Labs require  Genetic Labs to furnish  information to and negotiate with
such third party;  and (4) Derma Sciences shall have been notified in writing of
such Superior  Proposal,  including all of its terms and  conditions,  and shall
have been given copies of such proposal.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Genetic
Labs shall not provide any non-public information to such third party unless (1)
Genetic Labs has prior to the date thereof  provided such  information  to Derma
Sciences'  representatives;  (2) Genetic  Labs has  notified  Derma  Sciences in
advance of any such proposed  disclosure of non-public  information  to any such
third party, with a description of the information proposed to be disclosed; and
(3)  Genetic  Labs  provides   such   non-public   information   pursuant  to  a
nondisclosure  agreement  with terms  which are at least as  restrictive  as the
nondisclosure  agreement  heretofore  entered  into between  Derma  Sciences and
Genetic Labs.

In addition to the  foregoing,  Genetic  Labs shall not accept or enter into any
agreement concerning an Alternative Acquisition for a period of not less than 48
hours after Derma Sciences' receipt of a copy of such proposal of an Alternative
Acquisition.  Upon compliance with the foregoing, Genetic Labs shall be entitled
to (1) not recommend or change its recommendation concerning the Merger; and (2)
enter  into an  agreement  with  such  third  party  concerning  an  Alternative
Acquisition provided that Genetic Labs shall immediately make payment in full to
Derma Sciences of the Termination Fee as defined in Section 9.2(b) below.

         (b) If Genetic Labs receives any unsolicited offer or proposal to enter
into discussions or negotiations relating to an Alternative Acquisition, Genetic
Labs shall notify Derma  Sciences  thereof within  twenty-four  hours of Genetic
Labs' receipt  thereof,  including  information  as to the identity of the party
making  any such  offer or  proposal  and the  specific  terms of such  offer or
proposal, as the case may be.

Genetic  Labs shall be entitled to provide  copies of this  Section 7.2 to third
parties who on an entirely  unsolicited  basis  after the date  hereof,  contact
Genetic Labs concerning an Alternative Acquisition; provided that Derma Sciences
shall concurrently be notified of such contact and the delivery of such copy.

SECTION 7.3 REGISTRATION STATEMENT.  As promptly as practicable,  Derma Sciences
and Genetic Labs shall in consultation with each other prepare and file with the
SEC the Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  and Derma Sciences,  in  consultation  with
Genetic Labs,  shall prepare and file with the SEC the  Registration  Statement.
Each of Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs shall use its reasonable best efforts to
have the Registration Statement declared effective as soon as practicable. Derma
Sciences shall also use its reasonable  best efforts to take any action required
to be taken  under  state  securities  or blue sky laws in  connection  with the
issuance of the shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement
in the Merger.  Genetic Labs shall furnish Derma  Sciences with all  information

                                      A-24

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concerning Genetic Labs and the holders of its capital stock and shall take such
other action as Derma  Sciences may  reasonably  request in connection  with the
Registration  Statement  and the  issuance  of shares of Derma  Sciences  Common
Stock.  If at any time  prior to the  Effective  Time any event or  circumstance
relating  to Derma  Sciences,  Genetic  Labs,  or their  respective  officers or
directors,  should be  discovered  by such party which should be set forth in an
amendment  or  a  supplement  to  the   Registration   Statement  or  the  Proxy
Statement-Prospectus,  such party shall  promptly  inform the other  thereof and
take appropriate action in respect thereof.

SECTION 7.4 PROXY STATEMENT-PROSPECTUS; STOCKHOLDER APPROVALS.

         (a) Genetic Labs, acting through its Board of Directors, shall, subject
to and in accordance with applicable law and its Articles of  Incorporation  and
By-Laws,  promptly  and duly call,  give notice of,  convene and hold as soon as
practicable  following the date upon which the  Registration  Statement  becomes
effective a meeting of the holders of Genetic  Labs Common Stock for the purpose
of voting to approve and adopt this Agreement and the transactions  contemplated
hereby,  and,  subject  to the  fiduciary  duties of the Board of  Directors  of
Genetic  Labs under  applicable  law as advised by outside  legal  counsel,  (i)
recommend   approval  and  adoption  of  this  Agreement  and  the  transactions
contemplated hereby by the stockholders of Genetic Labs and include in the Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  such  recommendation,  and (ii)  take all  reasonable  and
lawful action to solicit and obtain such approval.

         (b) Derma  Sciences,  acting  through  its Board of  Directors,  shall,
subject  to  and  in  accordance   with  applicable  law  and  its  Articles  of
Incorporation  and By-Laws,  promptly and duly call, give notice of, convene and
hold as soon as  practicable  following  the date upon  which  the  Registration
Statement  becomes  effective a meeting of the holders of Derma Sciences  Common
Stock and  Preferred  Stock for the purpose of voting to approve the issuance of
the  shares of Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock to be issued in the  Merger,  and,
subject to the  fiduciary  duties of the Board of  Directors  of Derma  Sciences
under  applicable law as advised by outside counsel,  (i) recommend  approval of
such  issuance by the  stockholders  of Derma  Sciences and include in the Proxy
Statement-Prospectus  such  recommendation,  and (ii)  take all  reasonable  and
lawful action to solicit and obtain such approval.

         (c) Derma  Sciences and Genetic  Labs, as promptly as  practicable  (or
with such other timing as Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs mutually agree), shall
cause the definitive Proxy  Statement-Prospectus to be mailed to Derma Sciences'
and Genetic Labs' stockholders.

         (d) At or prior to the Closing, each of Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs
shall  deliver to the other a  certificate  of its  Secretary  setting forth the
voting results from its stockholder meeting.

SECTION 7.5 COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT.

         (a) At least 30 days prior to the  Effective  Time,  Genetic Labs shall
cause to be delivered to Derma Sciences a list identifying all persons who were,
in its reasonable  judgment,  at the record date for Genetic Labs' stockholders'
meeting  convened in accordance  with Section  7.4(a)  hereof,  "affiliates"  of
Genetic  Labs as that term is used in  paragraphs  (c) and (d) of Rule 145 under
the Securities Act (the "Affiliates").

         (b) Genetic  Labs shall use its  reasonable  best efforts to cause each
person who is  identified  as one of its  Affiliates  in its list referred to in
Section 7.5(a) above to deliver to Derma Sciences (with a copy to Genetic Labs),

                                      A-25

<PAGE>


at or prior to the  Effective  Time, a written  agreement,  in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit A, (the "Affiliate Letters").

         (c) If any  Affiliate  of Genetic  Labs refuses to provide an Affiliate
Letter,  Derma  Sciences  may  place  appropriate  legends  on the  certificates
evidencing  the shares of Derma  Sciences  Common  Stock to be  received by such
Affiliate  pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and to issue appropriate stop
transfer  instructions to the transfer agent for shares of Derma Sciences Common
Stock to the effect that the shares of Derma  Sciences  Common Stock received by
such  Affiliate  pursuant to this  Agreement  only may be sold,  transferred  or
otherwise conveyed (i) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the
Securities  Act,  (ii)  in  compliance  with  Rule  145  promulgated  under  the
Securities Act, or (iii) pursuant to another exemption under the Securities Act.

SECTION 7.6 BEST EFFORTS.  Subject to the terms and conditions  herein provided,
each of the parties  hereto  agrees to use its best efforts to take, or cause to
be taken,  all  action  and to do, or cause to be done,  all  things  necessary,
proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make
effective the transactions  contemplated by this Agreement,  including,  without
limitation,  the obtaining of all necessary waivers,  consents and approvals and
the  effecting  of all  necessary  registrations  and  filings.  Subject  to the
Confidentiality Agreement, Genetic Labs will furnish to Derma Sciences and Derma
Merging, and Derma Sciences and Derma Merging will furnish to Genetic Labs, such
information  and  assistance as the other may  reasonably  request in connection
with  the  preparation  of any  such  filings  or  submissions.  Subject  to the
Confidentiality  Agreement,  Genetic Labs will provide Derma  Sciences and Derma
Merging,  and Derma Sciences and Derma Merging will provide  Genetic Labs,  with
copies of all material written  correspondence,  filings and  communications (or
memoranda setting forth the substance  thereof) between such party or any of its
representatives  and any Governmental  Entity,  with respect to the obtaining of
any  waivers,  consent  or  approvals  and the  making of any  registrations  or
filings,  in each case that is necessary to consummate  the Merger and the other
transactions  contemplated  hereby. In case at any time after the Effective Time
any further  action is  necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this
Agreement,  the proper officers or directors of Derma Sciences and the Surviving
Corporation shall take all such necessary action.

SECTION 7.7 GENETIC LABS STOCK OPTIONS. At the Effective Time, each Genetic Labs
Stock Option  which is  outstanding  and  unexercised  immediately  prior to the
Effective  Time shall at the Effective Date be converted  automatically  into an
option to purchase  shares of Derma Sciences  Common Stock on the same terms and
conditions  as were  applicable  under such  Genetic  Labs Stock  Option (a "New
Option") in an amount and at an exercise price determined as provided below:

         (a) The number of shares of Derma  Sciences  Common Stock to be subject
to the New  Option  shall be equal to the  product  of the  number  of shares of
Genetic  Labs Common Stock  remaining  subject (as of  immediately  prior to the
Effective Time) to the original option and the Exchange Ratio, provided that any
fractional   shares  of  Derma  Sciences   Common  Stock   resulting  from  such
multiplication shall be rounded down to the nearest share.

         (b) The exercise price per share of Derma  Sciences  Common Stock under
the New Option  shall be equal to the  exercise  price per share of Genetic Labs
Common Stock under the original option divided by the Exchange  Ratio,  provided
that such exercise price shall be rounded up to the nearest cent.

         (c) Derma Sciences  shall register the shares of Derma Sciences  Common
Stock  issuable upon exercise of any of the New Options after the Effective Time

                                      A-26

<PAGE>


in a Registration  Statement on Form S-8 and maintain the  effectiveness of such
registration statement and take such other action as may be necessary to permit,
beginning  promptly after the Effective Time, resales of shares under applicable
federal and state securities laws of Derma Sciences Common Stock issued upon the
exercise of the New  Options,  and shall cause such shares,  when issued,  to be
listed on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market.

The adjustment  provided herein with respect to any options which are "incentive
stock  options" (as defined in Section 422 of the Code) shall be and is intended
to be effected in a manner which is consistent  with Section 424(a) of the Code.
After the Effective  Time,  each New Option shall be exercisable  and shall vest
upon the same terms and  conditions as were  applicable  to the related  Genetic
Labs Stock Option immediately prior to the Effective Time.

SECTION 7.8 PUBLIC  ANNOUNCEMENTS.  Each of Derma Sciences,  Derma Merging,  and
Genetic Labs agrees that it will not issue any press  release or otherwise  make
any public  statement  with respect to this  Agreement  (including  the Exhibits
hereto) or the  transactions  contemplated  hereby or thereby  without the prior
consent of the other party, which consent shall not be unreasonably  withheld or
delayed;  provided,  however, that such disclosure can be made without obtaining
such prior consent if (i) the  disclosure  is required by law or by  obligations
imposed  pursuant  to any  listing  agreement  with the  Nasdaq or any  national
securities exchange and (ii) the party making such disclosure has first used its
best  efforts to consult  with the other party about the form and  substance  of
such disclosure.

SECTION 7.9 DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' INDEMNIFICATION.

         (a) From and after the Effective Time,  Derma Sciences shall indemnify,
defend and hold  harmless  each person who is now, or has been at any time prior
to the date hereof or becomes prior to the Effective Time, an officer, director,
employee  or agent of  Genetic  Labs (the  "Indemnified  Parties")  against  all
losses,   claims,   damages,   costs,   expenses  (including  attorney's  fees),
liabilities  or  judgements  or  amounts  that  are  paid in  settlement  (which
settlement  shall require the prior  written  consent of Derma  Sciences,  which
consent shall not be unreasonably  withheld) of or in connection with any claim,
action,  suit,  proceeding or  investigation (a "Claim") in which an Indemnified
Party is, or is threatened to be made, a party or a witness based in whole or in
part on or  arising  in whole or in part out of the fact that such  person is or
was director,  officer, employee or agent of Genetic Labs if such Claim pertains
to any matter or fact  arising,  existing or  occurring on or prior to Effective
Time (including,  without  limitation,  the transactions  contemplated  hereby),
regardless  of whether  such Claim is asserted or claimed  prior to, at or after
the Effective Time  ("Indemnified  Liabilities") to the fullest extent permitted
by Derma  Sciences'  charter and by-laws and  applicable  Pennsylvania  law. Any
Indemnified  Party wishing to claim  indemnification  under this Section 7.9(a),
upon learning of any Claim,  shall notify Derma  Sciences (but the failure so to
notify  purchaser  shall not relieve it from any liability  which  purchaser may
have under this  Section  7.9(a)  except to the extent such  failure  prejudices
Derma  Sciences)  and shall  deliver to purchaser  any  undertaking  required by
Pennsylvania  law. The  obligations of Derma Sciences  described in this Section
7.9(a) shall continue in full force and effect,  without any amendment  thereto,
for a period of not less than six (6) years from the Effective  Time;  provided,
however,  that all rights to indemnification in respect of any Claim asserted or
made within such  period  shall  continue  until the final  disposition  of such
Claim;  and provided further that nothing in this Section 7.9(a) shall be deemed
to  modify  applicable  Pennsylvania  law  regarding  indemnification  of former
officers and directors.

         (b) From and after the  Effective  Time,  the  directors,  officers and
employees of Genetic Labs who become  directors,  officers or employees of Derma

                                      A-27

<PAGE>


Sciences,  Derma Merging or any other of Derma Sciences' subsidiaries shall also
have  indemnification  rights  with  prospective  application.  The  prospective
indemnification rights shall consist of such rights to which directors, officers
and  employees  of Derma  Sciences  or Derma  Merging  are  entitled  under  the
provisions  of the  charter,  by-laws or similar  governing  documents  of Derma
Sciences or Derma  Merging,  as in effect from time to time after the  Effective
Time, as applicable,  and provisions of applicable law as in effect from time to
time after the Effective Time.

         (c)  Derma  Sciences  shall  maintain  or  cause  Genetic  Labs and any
successor  thereto  to  maintain  directors  and  officers  liability  insurance
comparable  to that being  maintained by Derma  Sciences on the date hereof,  or
continue the existing insurance being maintained by Genetic Labs, in either case
for the benefit of the current and former directors and officers of Genetic Labs
for a period of three (3) years after the Effective Time,  which insurance shall
provide  coverage for acts and omissions  occurring on or prior to the Effective
Time;  provided,  further,  that  officers and  directors of Genetic Labs may be
required  to  make  application  and  provide  customary   representations   and
warranties  to Derma  Sciences'  insurance  carrier for the purpose of obtaining
such insurance.

         (d) The  contractual  obligations  of  Derma  Sciences  provided  under
Section 7.9(a) through 7.9(c) hereof are intended to benefit, and be enforceable
against  Derma  Sciences  directly  by, the  Indemnified  Parties,  and shall be
binding on all respective successors and assigns of Derma Sciences.

SECTION 7.10 EXPENSES.  Except as otherwise set forth in Section 9.2(b), whether
or not the Merger is consummated,  all costs and expenses incurred in connection
with  this  Agreement  (including  the  Exhibits  hereto)  and the  transactions
contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses.

SECTION 7.11 LISTING  APPLICATION.  Derma Sciences will use its reasonable  best
efforts to cause the shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock to be issued pursuant
to this  Agreement  in the  Merger  to be listed  for  quotation  on the  Nasdaq
SmallCap Market.

SECTION 7.12 SUPPLEMENTAL  DISCLOSURE.  Genetic Labs shall give prompt notice to
Derma Sciences,  and Derma Sciences shall give prompt notice to Genetic Labs, of
(i)  the  occurrence,   or  non-occurrence  of  any  event  the  occurrence,  or
non-occurrence,  of which  would be likely to cause  (A) any  representation  or
warranty  contained  in this  Agreement  to be untrue or  inaccurate  or (B) any
covenant,  condition or agreement contained in this Agreement not to be complied
with or satisfied and (ii) any failure of Genetic Labs or Derma Sciences, as the
case may be, to comply with or satisfy any  covenant,  condition or agreement to
be complied  with or  satisfied by it  hereunder;  provided,  however,  that the
delivery of any notice  pursuant to this  Section 7.13 shall not have any effect
for the purpose of determining  the  satisfaction of the conditions set forth in
Article  VIII of this  Agreement  or  otherwise  limit or  affect  the  remedies
available hereunder to any party.

SECTION 7.13 LETTERS OF ACCOUNTANTS.

         (a) Derma  Sciences  shall use all  reasonable  efforts  to cause to be
delivered  to  Genetic  Labs a letter  of  Ernst & Young  LLP,  Derma  Sciences'
independent  auditors,  dated a date within two business days before the date on
which the Registration Statement shall become effective and addressed to Genetic
Labs,  in form  and  substance  reasonably  satisfactory  to  Genetic  Labs  and
customary in scope and substance  for letters  delivered by  independent  public
accountants  in  connection  with   registration   statements   similar  to  the

                                      A-28

<PAGE>


Registration  Statement,  which letter  shall be brought  down to the  Effective
Time.

         (b) Genetic Labs shall use all  reasonable  best efforts to cause to be
delivered to Derma Sciences a letter of McGladrey & Pullen,  LLP,  Genetic Labs'
independent  auditors,  dated a date within two business days before the date on
which the  Registration  Statement shall become effective and addressed to Derma
Sciences,  in form and substance  reasonably  satisfactory to Derma Sciences and
customary in scope and substance  for letters  delivered by  independent  public
accountants  in  connection  with   registration   statements   similar  to  the
Registration  Statement,  which letter  shall be brought  down to the  Effective
Time.

SECTION 7.14 CONVEYANCE  TAXES.  Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs shall cooperate
in  the  preparation,  execution  and  filing  of all  returns,  questionnaires,
applications, or other documents regarding (i) any real property transfer gains,

sales, use,  transfer,  value-added,  stock transfer,  and stamp taxes, (ii) any
recording, registration and other fees, and (iii) any similar taxes or fees that
become payable in connection with the transactions  contemplated hereby that are
required or permitted to be filed on, after or before the Effective Time.

SECTION 7.15  NON-SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYEES.  Each of Derma Sciences and Genetic
Labs agree,  for a period of one year from the date  hereof,  not to directly or
indirectly  solicit  any  employee  of the other or to induce or  encourage  any
employee of the other to terminate such employee's employment.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                    CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER

SECTION 8.1  CONDITIONS  TO EACH PARTY'S  OBLIGATION  TO EFFECT THE MERGER.  The
respective  obligations  of each party to effect the Merger  shall be subject to
the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Time of the following conditions:

         (a)  Stockholder   Approval.   This  Agreement  and  the   transactions
contemplated  hereby shall have been approved and adopted by the requisite  vote
(as described in Section 4.15) of the stockholders of Genetic Labs in accordance
with  applicable  law and this Agreement and the issuance of the shares of Derma
Sciences Common Stock to be issued in the Merger shall have been approved by the
requisite  vote (as  described  in Section  5.14) of the  stockholders  of Derma
Sciences in accordance with the requirements of the rules of Nasdaq.

         (b) Nasdaq Listing for Quotation.  The shares of Derma Sciences  Common
Stock  issuable to the holders of Genetic  Labs  Common  Stock  pursuant to this
Agreement  in the Merger shall have been  authorized  for listing on Nasdaq upon
official notice of issuance.

         (c)  Registration  Statement.  The  Registration  Statement  shall have
become  effective  under the  Securities Act and shall not be the subject of any
stop order or proceeding by the SEC seeking a stop order.

         (d) No Order.  No  Governmental  Entity  (including  a federal or state
court) of  competent  jurisdiction  shall  have  enacted,  issued,  promulgated,
enforced or entered any statute,  rule,  regulation,  executive  order,  decree,
injunction or other order (whether temporary, preliminary or permanent) which is
in effect and which materially restricts,  prevents or prohibits consummation of

                                      A-29

<PAGE>


the Merger or any transaction contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however,
that the  parties  shall use their  reasonable  best  efforts  to cause any such
decree, judgment, injunction or other order to be vacated or lifted.

         (e) Approvals.  Other than the filing of Merger documents in accordance
with the  MBCA and  PBCL,  all  authorizations,  consents,  waivers,  orders  or
approvals,  or the  failure  of which to  obtain,  make or  occur  would  have a
material  adverse effect at or after the Effective Time on Derma Sciences or the
Surviving  Corporation,  shall have been obtained,  been filed or have occurred.
Derma  Sciences  shall have received all state  securities or "blue sky" permits
and other authorizations  necessary to issue the shares of Derma Sciences Common
Stock pursuant to this Agreement in the Merger.

SECTION 8.2  CONDITIONS TO  OBLIGATIONS  OF DERMA  SCIENCES AND DERMA MERGING TO
EFFECT THE MERGER. The obligations of Derma Sciences and Derma Merging to effect
the Merger  shall be subject to the  satisfaction  at or prior to the  Effective
Time of the following additional  conditions,  unless waived in writing by Derma
Sciences:

         (a)  Representations  and Warranties.  (i) The aggregate  effect of all
inaccuracies in the  representations and warranties of Genetic Labs set forth in
this  Agreement  does not and will not have a  material  adverse  effect  on the
business,  operations,   prospects,  properties,  assets  (including  intangible
assets),  liabilities (including contingent liabilities) condition (financial or
other) or results of operations of Genetic Labs and (ii) the representations and
warranties  of Genetic  Labs that are  qualified  with  reference  to a Material
Adverse Effect or materiality shall be true and correct and the  representations
and  warranties  that are not so  qualified  shall be true  and  correct  in all
material respects, in each case as of the date hereof, and, except to the extent
such  representations  and  warranties  speak as of an earlier  date,  as of the
Effective  Time  as  though  made at and as of the  Effective  Time,  and  Derma
Sciences  shall have received a certificate  signed on behalf of Genetic Labs by
the chief executive  officer or the chief  financial  officer of Genetic Labs to
such effect.

         (b) Performance of Obligations of Genetic Labs. Genetic Labs shall have
performed in all material  respects all obligations  required to be performed by
it under this  Agreement at or prior to the Effective  Time,  and Derma Sciences
shall have received a certificate  signed on behalf of Genetic Labs by the chief
executive officer or the chief financial officer of Genetic Labs to such effect.

         (c) Affiliate Letters. Derma Sciences shall have received the Affiliate
Letters from each of the Affiliates of Genetic Labs as  contemplated  in Section
7.5.

         (d)  Officer  Certificate  of  Genetic  Labs.  Genetic  Labs shall have
furnished to Derma Sciences a certificate of the Chief Executive  Officer or the
President  and the Chief  Financial  Officer  of Genetic  Labs,  dated as of the
Effective  Time,  in which  such  officers  shall  certify  to the best of their
knowledge  that all of the  conditions  set  forth  in  Section  8.2  have  been
fulfilled.

         (e)  Genetic  Labs  Secretary's  Certificate.  Genetic  Labs shall have
furnished to Derma  Sciences (i) copies of the text of  resolutions by which the
corporate  action  on the  part  of  Genetic  Labs  necessary  to  approve  this
Agreement, and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby were taken, (ii)
a certificate  dated as of the Effective Time executed on behalf of Genetic Labs
by  its  corporate  secretary  or one of  its  assistant  corporate  secretaries
certifying  to Derma  Sciences  that such copies are true,  correct and complete
copies of such  resolutions and that such resolutions were duly adopted and have
not been amended or rescinded  and (iii) an incumbency  certificate  dated as of
the Effective Time executed on behalf of Genetic Labs by its corporate secretary

                                      A-30

<PAGE>


or one of its  assistant  corporate  secretaries  certifying  the  signature and
office of each officer of Genetic  Labs  executing  this  Agreement or any other
agreement,  certificate or other instrument  executed pursuant hereto by Genetic
Labs.

         (f) Opinion of Counsel.  Derma  Sciences shall have received an opinion
of Mackall,  Crounse & Moore to the effect that, based on the representation and
warranty contained in Section 5.15 to the effect that Derma Sciences is not, and
prior to the Effective Time will not be, the "beneficial owner" (as such term is
defined in Section  302A.011  of the MBCA) of any shares of Genetic  Labs Common
Stock and on such  representations  and certificates as such counsel may require
and rely upon in rendering such opinion,  the Merger and the other  transactions
contemplated hereby will not be subject to the provisions of Section 302A.671 or
Section 302A.673 of the MBCA.

SECTION 8.3  CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATION OF GENETIC LABS TO EFFECT THE MERGER.  The
obligation  of  Genetic  Labs to  effect  the  Merger  shall be  subject  to the
satisfaction  at or  prior to the  Effective  Time of the  following  additional
conditions:

         (a)  Representations  and Warranties.  (i) The aggregate  effect of all
inaccuracies in the  representations  and warranties of Derma Sciences set forth
in this  Agreement  does not and will not have a material  adverse effect on the
business,  operations,   prospects,  properties,  assets  (including  intangible
assets), liabilities (including contingent liabilities), condition (financial or
other)  or  results  of   operations   of  the  Derma   Sciences  and  (ii)  the
representations  and  warranties of Derma  Sciences  contained in this Agreement
that are qualified  with  reference to a Material  Adverse Effect or materiality
shall be true and correct and the representations and warranties that are not so
qualified  shall be true and  correct in all  material  respects  as of the date
hereof,  and, except to the extent such  representations and warranties speak as
of an earlier  date,  as of the  Effective  Time as though made on and as of the
Effective  Time,  and Genetic Labs shall have received a  certificate  signed on
behalf of Derma Sciences by the chief  executive  officer or the chief operating
officer of Derma Sciences to such effect.

         (b)  Performance  of  Obligations  of Derma Sciences and Derma Merging.
Each of Derma  Sciences and Derma Merging  shall have  performed in all material
respects all obligations  required to be performed by it under this Agreement at
or prior  to the  Effective  Time,  and  Genetic  Labs  shall  have  received  a
certificate signed on behalf of Derma Sciences by the chief executive officer or
the chief operating officer of Derma Sciences to such effect.

         (c) Officer  Certificate of Derma  Sciences and Derma Merging.  Each of
Derma  Sciences  and Derma  Merging  shall  have  furnished  to  Genetic  Labs a
certificate  of the  Chief  Executive  Officer  or the  President  and the Chief
Financial  Officer of each Derma  Sciences  and Derma  Merging , dated as of the
Effective  Time,  in which  such  officers  shall  certify  to the best of their
knowledge  that all of the  conditions  set  forth  in  Section  8.3  have  been
fulfilled.

         (d) Derma  Sciences and Derma  Merging  Secretary's  Certificate.  Each
Derma Sciences and Derma Merging shall have furnished to Genetic Labs (i) copies
of the text of  resolutions  by which the  corporate  action on the part of each
Derma Sciences and Derma Merging  necessary to approve this  Agreement,  and the
transactions  contemplated  hereby and thereby  were taken,  (ii) a  certificate
dated as of the Effective  Time  executed on behalf of Derma  Sciences and Derma
Merging by its corporate secretary or one of its assistant corporate secretaries
certifying  to Genetic  Labs that such  copies are true,  correct  and  complete
copies of such  resolutions and that such resolutions were duly adopted and have
not been amended or rescinded  and (iii) an incumbency  certificate  dated as of
the Effective  Time executed on behalf of each Derma  Sciences and Derma Merging
by  its  corporate  secretary  or one of  its  assistant  corporate  secretaries

                                      A-31

<PAGE>


certifying  the signature and office of each officer of Derma  Sciences or Derma
Merging  executing this Agreement or any other  agreement,  certificate or other
instrument  executed pursuant hereto by Derma Sciences or Derma Merging,  as the
case may be.

         (e) Opinion of Counsel to Derma  Sciences  and Derma  Merging.  Genetic
Labs shall  have  received  an opinion  letter  dated as of the  Effective  Time
addressed  to Genetic Labs from Hedger & Hedger,  counsel to Derma  Sciences and
Derma   Merging,   based  on   customary   reliance  and  subject  to  customary
qualifications to the effect that:

         (i)  Derma  Sciences  and  Derma  Merging  each is a  corporation  duly
incorporated,  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
of Pennsylvania.

         (ii) Derma  Sciences and Derma Merging each has the corporate  power to
consummate the  transactions on its part  contemplated  by this Agreement.  Each
Derma Sciences and Derma Merging each has taken all requisite  corporate  action
to authorize this  Agreement,  and all  transaction  contemplated  herein.  This
Agreement and all documents and instruments  contemplated  herein have been duly
executed and delivered by each of Derma Sciences and Derma Merging and, assuming
they are valid and binding obligation of Genetic Labs,  constitute the valid and
binding  obligations  of Derma  Sciences and Derma Merging each to which it is a
party enforceable in accordance with their terms,  subject as to the enforcement
of remedies to  applicable  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  moratorium  and other laws
affecting the rights of creditors  generally and to judicial  limitations on the
enforcement of the remedy of specific performance.

         (iii) The  execution  and  delivery of this  Agreement by each of Derma
Sciences and Derma Merging and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby will not constitute a breach, default or violation under their respective
charters or bylaws or, to the knowledge of counsel,  (a) any material agreement,
arrangement or  understanding to which either Derma Sciences or Derma Merging is
a party, (b) any material license,  franchise or permit affecting Derma Sciences
or Derma  Merging,  or (c) any  law,  regulation,  order,  judgement  or  decree
applicable to either Derma Sciences or Derma Merging.

         (iv) No  authorization,  consent or approval  of, or filing  with,  any
public  body,  court or authority is  necessary  for the  consummation  by Derma
Sciences or Derma Merging of the transaction  contemplated  hereby which has not
been obtained or made.

         (v) The shares of Derma Sciences  Common Stock to be issued pursuant to
the Agreement will be, when issued,  duly authorized and validly  issued,  fully
paid and nonassessable.

         (f) Tax Opinion of Counsel.  Derma Sciences and Genetic Labs shall have
received  an opinion  of Hedger & Hedger  dated on or about the date that is two
business days prior to the date the Proxy  Statement-Prospectus  is first mailed
to  stockholders  of Genetic Labs,  which opinion shall be in form and substance
satisfactory  to counsel  for Genetic  Labs,  to the effect that the Merger will
constitute a  reorganization  for federal income tax purposes within the meaning
of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code, which opinion shall not have been withdrawn
or modified in any material respect.

In  rendering  such  opinion,   Hedger  &  Hedger  may  require  and  rely  upon
representations  contained in certificates of officers of Derma Sciences,  Derma
Merging and Genetic Labs, certain stockholders and others dated on or before the
date of such opinion and which shall not have been  withdrawn or modified in any
material  respect;  provided,  however,  that the  condition  set  forth in this

                                      A-32

<PAGE>


Section  8.2(d)  shall be deemed to be satisfied if Hedger & Hedger is unable to
render such opinion solely by reason of the holders of five percent (5%) or more
of Genetic Labs Common Stock refusing or failing to provide Hedger & Hedger with
requested representations.  The specific provisions of each such certificate and
representation shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Hedger & Hedger.

         (g)  Amendments to Stock Option Plan.  Derma  Sciences  shall have made
such  amendments  to its Stock Option  Plan,  which  amendments  shall have been
approved  by  the  shareholders  of  Derma  Sciences,  as may  be  necessary  or
desirable,  in the  reasonable  opinion of counsel to Genetic Labs, to issue the
New Options  under such Stock Option Plan so as to effect the  conversion of the
Genetic  Labs Stock  Options as  contemplated  by Section 7.7 and  preserve  the
Incentive Stock Option status of the New Options in accordance with Section 7.7.

         (h)  Executive   Contract   Guarantees.   Derma   Sciences  shall  have
guaranteed,  which  guarantees  shall be in form  and  substance  acceptable  to
counsel for Genetic  Labs,  the  performance  of Genetic  Labs under those three
executive  agreements each dated May 1, 1998, between Genetic Labs and Arthur A.
Beisang, Robert A. Ersek, M.D.
and H. James Thompson.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                   TERMINATION

SECTION 9.1  TERMINATION.  This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to
the Effective  Time,  whether  before or after approval by the  stockholders  of
Derma Sciences or Genetic Labs:

         (a) By mutual  consent of Derma  Sciences and Genetic Labs expressed by
majority vote of each entity's board of directors.

         (b) By either Derma  Sciences or Genetic  Labs, if the Merger shall not
have been  consummated  before  December  31,  1998  (unless  the  failure to so
consummate  the Merger by such date shall be due to the action or failure to act
of the party seeking to terminate this Agreement, which action or failure to act
constitutes a breach of this Agreement).

         (c) By  either  Derma  Sciences  or  Genetic  Labs,  if  any  permanent
injunction  or  action by any  Governmental  Entity  of  competent  jurisdiction
preventing  the   consummation  of  the  Merger  shall  have  become  final  and
nonappealable.

         (d)  By  Derma  Sciences,  if  (i)  there  has  been  a  breach  of any
representations  or  warranties  of Genetic  Labs set forth herein the effect of
which is a Material  Adverse  Effect  under  Article  IV,  (ii) there has been a
breach in any material  respect of any of the covenants or agreements  set forth
in this  Agreement on the part of Genetic Labs,  which breach is not curable or,
if curable,  is not cured within 30 days after written  notice of such breach is
given by Derma  Sciences to Genetic  Labs,  or (iii) the Board of  Directors  of
Genetic Labs (A) fails to recommend  approval and adoption of this Agreement and
the  Merger  by the  stockholders  of  Genetic  Labs or  withdraws  or amends or
modifies  in  a  manner   adverse  to  Derma  Sciences  and  Derma  Merging  its
recommendation or approval in respect of this Agreement or the Merger, (B) makes
any  recommendation  with  respect to an  Alternative  Acquisition  other than a
recommendation to reject such Alternative  Acquisition,  or (C) takes any action
prohibited  by Section 7.2, or (iv) the  shareholders  of Derma  Sciences do not
vote to approve the Merger in the manner set forth in Section 5.14.

                                      A-33

<PAGE>


         (e)  By  Genetic   Labs,  if  (i)  there  has  been  a  breach  of  any
representations  or warranties of Derma  Sciences set forth herein the effect of
which is a Material Adverse Effect under Article V, (ii) there has been a breach
in any material  respect of any of the covenants or agreements set forth in this
Agreement  on the part of Derma  Sciences,  which  breach is not  curable or, if
curable,  is not cured  within 30 days after  written  notice of such  breach is
given by Genetic Labs to Derma  Sciences or (iii) such  termination is necessary
to allow  Genetic  Labs to enter into an  agreement  with  respect to a Superior
Proposal (provided that the termination described in this clause (iii) shall not
be effective  unless and until Genetic Labs shall have paid to Derma Sciences in
full the fee and expense  reimbursement  described in Section  9.2(b)) , or (iv)
the shareholders of Genetic Labs do not vote to approve the Merger in the manner
set forth in Section 4.15.

SECTION 9.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION.

         (a) In the event of  termination  of this  Agreement  pursuant  to this
Article  IX, the  Merger  shall be deemed  abandoned  and this  Agreement  shall
forthwith become void, without liability on the part of any party hereto, except
as provided in this Section 9.2,  Section 7.1 and Section 7.10,  and except that
nothing  herein shall  relieve any party from  liability  for any breach of this
Agreement.

         (b)(i) If Derma Sciences shall have terminated this Agreement  pursuant
to Section  9.1(d)(iii)  or Genetic Labs shall have  terminated  this  Agreement
pursuant  to  Section  9.1(e)(iii),  then in any such case  Genetic  Labs  shall
promptly,  but in no event later than two  business  days after the date of such
termination,  pay Derma  Sciences a  termination  fee of Five  Hundred  Thousand
Dollars ($500,000).

         (ii) If this  Agreement  is  terminated  pursuant to Section  9.1(a) or
9.1(b) and the Board of Directors of Derma  Sciences (A)  withdraws or amends or
modifies in any manner adverse to Genetic Labs its  recommendation  with respect
to this Agreement or (B) makes any  recommendation  with respect to any proposed
acquisition  of Derma  Sciences  (whether by way of merger,  purchase of capital
stock,  purchase of assets or otherwise) or any material  portion of its capital
stock or assets (an "Acquisition  Transaction")  other than a recommendation  to
reject such Acquisition  Transaction and in either such case the stockholders of
Derma  Sciences  shall not approve the issuance of the shares of Derma  Sciences
Common Stock in the Merger, then Derma Sciences shall promptly,  but in no event
later than two  business  days after the date of such  termination,  pay Genetic
Labs a termination fee of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000).

                                    ARTICLE X

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 10.1  AMENDMENT  AND  MODIFICATION.  At any time prior to the  Effective
Time, this Agreement may be amended,  modified or  supplemented  only by written
agreement  (referring  specifically to this Agreement) of Derma Sciences,  Derma
Merging  and Genetic  Labs with  respect to any of the terms  contained  herein;
provided, however, that after any approval and adoption of this Agreement by the
stockholders of Derma Sciences or Genetic Labs, no such amendment,  modification
or  supplementation  shall be made  which  under  applicable  law  requires  the
approval of such stockholders without the further approval of such stockholders.

SECTION 10.2 WAIVER. At any time prior to the Effective Time, Derma Sciences and
Derma  Merging,  on the one hand,  and Genetic Labs, on the other hand,  may (i)
extend the time for the  performance of any of the  obligations or other acts of
the other, (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the  representations and warranties of

                                      A-34

<PAGE>


the other  contained  herein or in any documents  delivered  pursuant hereto and
(iii) waive  compliance  by the other with any of the  agreements  or conditions
contained herein which may legally be waived. Any such extension or waiver shall
be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing specifically referring to
this Agreement and signed on behalf of such party.

SECTION 10.3 SURVIVABILITY;  INVESTIGATIONS.  The respective representations and
warranties  of Derma  Sciences  and  Genetic  Labs  contained  herein  or in any
certificates or other  documents  delivered prior to or as of the Effective Time
(i) shall not be deemed waived or otherwise  affected by any investigation  made
by any party hereto and (ii) shall not survive beyond the Effective Time.

SECTION 10.4 NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally or by next-day courier
or  telecopied  with  confirmation  of receipt,  to the parties at the addresses
specified  below (or at such other  address for a party as shall be specified by
like notice;  provided  that  notices of a change of address  shall be effective
only upon receipt thereof).  Any such notice shall be effective upon receipt, if
personally  delivered or telecopied,  or one day after delivery to a courier for
next-day delivery.

         (a) If to Derma Sciences or Derma Merging, to:

         Derma Sciences, Inc.
         214 Carnegie Center
         Suite 100
         Princeton, NJ  08540
         Telecopier No.:  609-520-0712

         with a copy to:

         Hedger & Hedger
         1800 Linglestown Road
         Suite 206
         Harrisburg, PA 17110
         Attn: Raymond C. Hedger, Jr., Esq.
         Telecopier No.:  717-238-1828

         and

         (b) if to Genetic Labs, to:

         Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc.
         2726 Patton Road
         St. Paul, MN 55113-1136
         Telecopier No.:  612-633-3188

                                      A-35

<PAGE>


         with a copy to:

         Mackall Crounse & Moore PLC
         1400 AT&T Tower
         901 Marquette Avenue
         Minneapolis, MN  5542-2859
         Attn.:  William J. O'Brien, Esq.
         Telecopier No.:  612-305-1414

SECTION 10.5 DESCRIPTIVE  HEADINGS;  INTERPRETATION.  The headings  contained in
this  Agreement are for reference  purposes only and shall not affect in any way
the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. References in this Agreement to
Sections,  Schedules,  Exhibits or Articles mean a Section, Schedule, Exhibit or
Article  of  this  Agreement  unless  otherwise  indicated.  References  to this
Agreement shall be deemed to include the Exhibits and Schedules  hereto,  unless
the context  otherwise  requires.  The term  "person"  shall mean and include an
individual,  a partnership,  a joint venture, a corporation,  an association,  a
trust, a Governmental Entity or an unincorporated organization or other entity.

SECTION  10.6  ENTIRE  AGREEMENT;  ASSIGNMENT.  This  Agreement  (including  the
Schedules and other documents and instruments referred to herein), together with
the Confidentiality Agreement, constitute the entire agreement and supersede all
other prior  agreements  and  understandings,  both written and oral,  among the
parties or any of them,  with respect to the subject matter  hereof.  Except for
Sections 7.7 and 7.9,  this  Agreement is not intended to confer upon any person
not a party hereto any rights or remedies hereunder. This Agreement shall not be
assigned by operation of law or otherwise; provided that Derma Sciences or Derma
Merging may assign its rights and obligations  hereunder to a direct or indirect
subsidiary  of  Derma  Sciences,  but no such  assignment  shall  relieve  Derma
Sciences or Derma Merging, as the case may be, of its obligations hereunder.

SECTION 10.7 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance  with the laws of the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania  without giving
effect to the provisions thereof relating to conflicts of law.

SECTION 10.8 SEVERABILITY.  In case any one or more of the provisions  contained
in this Agreement  should be invalid,  illegal or  unenforceable  in any respect
against  a party  hereto,  the  validity,  legality  and  enforceability  of the
remaining  provisions  contained  herein  shall  not in any way be  affected  or
impaired thereby and such invalidity,  illegality or unenforceability shall only
apply as to such party in the specific jurisdiction where such judgment shall be
made.

SECTION  10.9  COUNTERPARTS.  This  Agreement  may be  executed  in two or  more
counterparts,  each of which shall be deemed to be an original  but all of which
shall constitute one and the same agreement.

                                      A-36

<PAGE>


         IN WITNESS WHEREFORE, each of Derma Sciences, Derma Merging and Genetic
Labs has caused this  Agreement  to be executed  under seal on its behalf by its
officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the date first above written.

                                     DERMA SCIENCES, INC.


                                     By:/s/  Edward J. Quilty
                                        ----------------------
                                        Edward J. Quilty
                                        Chairman and Principal Executive Officer


                                     DERMA MERGING CORPORATION


                                     By:/s/  Edward J. Quilty
                                        ----------------------
                                        Edward J. Quilty
                                        President and Chief Executive Officer


                                     GENETIC LABORATORIES WOUND CARE, INC.


                                     By:/s/  Arthur A. Beisang
                                        -----------------------
                                        Arthur A. Beisang
                                        Chairman and Chief Executive Officer



                                      A-37

<PAGE>


                                    EXHIBIT A

                            FORM OF AFFILIATE LETTER

_________, 1998

Derma Sciences, Inc.
214 Carnegie Center, Suite 100
Princeton, NJ  08540

Gentlemen:

I have been advised that as of the date of this letter I may be deemed to be an
"affiliate" of Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc., a Minnesota corporation
("Genetic Labs"), as the term "affiliate" is defined for purposes of paragraphs
(c) and (d) of Rule 145 of the rules and regulations (the "Rules and
Regulations") of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act").

Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of July 7,
1998 (the "Agreement"), by and among Derma Sciences, Inc., a Pennsylvania
corporation ("Derma Sciences"), Derma Merging Corporation, a Pennsylvania
corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Derma Sciences, ("Derma Merging")
and Genetic Labs, Derma Sciences will acquire all of the issued and outstanding
shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of Genetic Labs ("Genetic Labs
Common Stock") and Derma Merging will merge with and into Genetic Labs (the
"Merger").

As a result of the Merger, I may receive shares of Common Stock, par value $.01
per share of Derma Sciences ("Derma Sciences Common Stock") in exchange for
shares owned by me of Genetic Labs Common Stock.

I represent, warrant and covenant to Derma Sciences that in the event I receive
Derma Sciences Common Stock as a result of the Merger:

     A. I shall not make any sale, transfer or other disposition of the Derma
Sciences Common Stock in violation of the Act or the Rules and Regulations.

     B. I have carefully read this letter and the Agreement and discussed the
requirements of such documents and other applicable limitations upon my ability
to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of Derma Sciences Common Stock, to the
extent I felt necessary, with my counsel or counsel for Genetic Labs.

     C. I have been advised that the issuance of Derma Sciences Common Stock to
me pursuant to the Merger has been registered with the Commission under the Act
by a Registration Statement on Form S-4. However, I have also been advised that,
because at the time the Merger is submitted for a vote of the stockholders of
Genetic Labs, (a) I may be deemed to be an affiliate of Genetic Labs and (b) the
distribution by me of the Derma Sciences Common Stock has not been registered
under the Act, I may not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of Derma Sciences
Common Stock issued to me in the Merger unless (i) such sale, transfer or other
disposition is made in conformity with the volume and other limitations of Rule
145 promulgated by the Commission under the Act, (ii) such sale, transfer or
other disposition has been registered under the Act or (iii) in the opinion of
counsel reasonably acceptable to Derma Sciences, such sale, transfer or other
disposition is otherwise exempt from registration under the Act.

     D. I understand that Derma Sciences is under no obligation to register the
sale, transfer or other disposition of the Derma Sciences Common Stock by me or
on my behalf under the Act or to take any


<PAGE>


other action  necessary in order to make  compliance with an exemption from such
registration available solely as a result of the Merger.

     E. I also understand that unless a sale or transfer is made in conformity
with the provisions of Rule 145, or pursuant to a registration statement, Derma
Sciences reserves the right to put the following legend on the certificates
issued to any transferee:

         "THE SHARES  REPRESENTED BY THIS  CERTIFICATE  HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
         UNDER THE  SECURITIES  ACT OF 1933 AND WERE  ACQUIRED FROM A PERSON WHO
         RECEIVED  SUCH SHARES IN A  TRANSACTION  TO WHICH RULE 145  PROMULGATED
         UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 APPLIES. THE SHARES HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED
         BY THE HOLDER NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR FOR RESALE IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY
         DISTRIBUTION  THEREOF  WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
         AND MAY  NOT BE  SOLD,  PLEDGED  OR  OTHERWISE  TRANSFERRED  EXCEPT  IN
         ACCORDANCE WITH AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION  REQUIREMENTS OF THE
         SECURITIES ACT OF 1933."

It is understood and agreed that the legends set forth in paragraph E above
shall be removed by delivery of substitute certificates without such legend if
the undersigned shall have delivered to Derma Sciences a copy of a letter from
the staff of the Commission, or an opinion of counsel in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to Derma Sciences, to the effect that such legend is not
required for purposes of the Act.

Execution of this letter should not be considered an admission on my part that I
am an "affiliate" of Genetic Labs as described in the first paragraph of this
letter, as or a waiver of any rights I may have to object to any claim that I am
such an affiliate or on after the date of this letter.

Very truly yours,



- -------------------------------------
Name:

Accepted this _____ day of ______________, 1998, by

DERMA SCIENCES, INC.



By:___________________________________
    Edward J. Quilty
    Chairman of the Board



<PAGE>


                                  SCHEDULE 4.6

                    THIRD PARTY CONSENTS OR NOTICES REQUIRED


1.    Lease Agreement with Roseville Properties

2.    Line of Credit with North Star Bank

3.    CE certification by AMTAC Certification Services, Ltd.





<PAGE>


                                  SCHEDULE 4.11

                              INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY


1.    PRODUCTS BEING MARKETED BY GENETIC LABS

NAME OF PRODUCT                        OWNER

Suture Strip(R)Plus                    Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc.
SUTURE STRIP(R)                        Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc.
LC STRIP(R)                            Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc.
ACCU-Cleanse(TM)                       Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc.
NG STRIP(R)                            Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc.
UC Strip(R)                            Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc.
CATH-STRIP(R)                          Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc.
PERCU-STAY(R)                          Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc.
FLEXINET(R)                            Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc.
SYSTENET(R)                            Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc.
SYSTENET(R)                            Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc.
BAND-TECH(R)                           Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc.
EKG HOLTER MONITORING VEST             Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc.


2. GENETIC LABS. TRADEMARKS - REGISTERED AND PENDING

Product trademarks set forth above


3. REGISTERED TRADEMARKS FOR PRODUCTS LICENSED BY GENETIC LABS


None


4. GENETIC LABS COPYRIGHTS - REGISTERED AND PENDING

None


<PAGE>


                                  SCHEDULE 4.14

                             EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS


1.  GENETIC LABORATORIES WOUND CARE, INC. 401(K) PLAN

Tax qualified salary reduction plan

2.  BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD

Medical insurance plan

3.  DELTA DENTAL, MET LIFE

Dental insurance plan

4.  MASSMUTUAL

Long term disability plan

5.  GENETIC LABORATORIES WOUND CARE, INC. FLEXIBLE SPENDING PLAN

Cafeteria Plan

6.  GENETIC LABORATORIES WOUND CARE, INC. STOCK OPTION PLAN

Employee incentive stock option plan






<PAGE>


                                  SCHEDULE 5.6

              TRANSACTIONS OUTSIDE THE ORDINARY COURSE OF BUSINESS


1.  CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURE OFFERING

     Derma  Sciences,  on June 10, 1998,  commenced a private  offering of up to
$4,000,000   in   aggregate   principal   amount   of   convertible   debentures
("Debentures"). Upon shareholder authorization of the Preferred Stock (described
below),  the Debentures will convert  automatically  into "Units" at the rate of
one Unit for each $1.20 of  Debenture  principal.  Each Unit will consist of one
share of Series B convertible preferred stock ("Preferred Stock") and one Common
Stock Purchase Warrant (Warrant"). Each Warrant may be exercised to purchase one
share of Derma Sciences common stock at $1.35.


     The Preferred Stock will be convertible at the option of the holder thereof
into Derma Sciences  common stock on a one-for-one  basis.  Preferred Stock will
enjoy a  liquidation  preference  of $1.20  per share  and will be  entitled  to
dividend and voting rights similar to Derma Sciences common stock.

     Additional terms and conditions of the Debenture  offering are described in
Derma Sciences'  Confidential  Private Placement  Memorandum dated June 10, 1998
copies of which have been furnished to Genetic Labs.

2.  SUNSHINE PRODUCTS ACQUISITION

     Derma Sciences and Sunshine Products, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri
("Sunshine"), have signed a non-binding letter of intent whereby Derma Sciences
would purchase all the outstanding equity securities of Sunshine for $1.2
million. Each of three Sunshine stock-holders would receive options to purchase
25,000 shares of Derma Sciences common stock at the market value thereof on the
option grant date and Sunshine shareholders' loans to Sunshine in the aggregate
amount of approximately $25,000 would be paid by Derma Sciences. Consummation of
the purchase is contingent upon negotiation and execution of two year executive
employment agreements with the three Sunshine shareholders, successful
completion of audits of the Sunshine financial statements, successful completion
of due diligence investigations by Derma Sciences and various other conditions.

     Additional  terms and conditions of the Sunshine  Products  acquisition are
described in the Derma  Sciences-Sunshine  Products  letter of intent dated June
29, 1998  together  with  supplementary  documentation  relative to the Sunshine
Products acquisition which have been furnished to Genetic Labs.



<PAGE>


                                  SCHEDULE 5.11

                              INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY


1. PRODUCTS BEING MARKETED BY DERMA SCIENCES

Name of Product                                        Owner

Dermagran(R)Ointment                           Derma Sciences, Inc.
Dermagran(R)Spray                              Derma Sciences, Inc.
Dermagran II Moisturizing Spray                Derma Sciences, Inc.
Dermagran II Ointment                          Derma Sciences, Inc.
NutraWash(TM)                                  Derma Sciences, Inc.
NutraShield(TM)Perineal Protectant             Derma Sciences, Inc.
NutraCleanse(TM)                               Derma Sciences, Inc.
DermaFilm(TM)                                  Derma Sciences, Inc.
DermaSite(TM)                                  Derma Sciences, Inc.
NutraCol(TM)                                   Derma Sciences, Inc.
DermaCol(TM)                                   Derma Sciences, Inc.
NutraVue(TM)                                   Derma Sciences, Inc.
NutraFill(TM)                                  Derma Sciences, Inc.
NutraGauze(TM)                                 Derma Sciences, Inc.
Dermagran(R)Wet Dressing (Saline)              Derma Sciences, Inc.
NutraDress(TM)                                 Derma Sciences, Inc.
NutraStat(TM)                                  Derma Sciences, Inc.
DermaStat(TM)                                  Derma Sciences, Inc.
Marsupial(R)Pouch                              Turner Healthcare Products, Inc.

2. DERMA SCIENCES TRADEMARKS - REGISTERED AND PENDING

Product trademarks set forth above;
S.T.A.G.E.S. (TM)

3. REGISTERED TRADEMARKS FOR PRODUCTS LICENSED BY DERMA SCIENCES

Marsupial (R) Pouch  -- owned by Turner Healthcare Products, Inc.

4. DERMA SCIENCES COPYRIGHTS - REGISTERED AND PENDING

NONE


<PAGE>


                                  SCHEDULE 5.13

                             EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS


1. DERMA SCIENCES, INC. 401(K) PLAN

Tax qualified salary reduction plan

2. AETNA U.S. HEALTHCARE

Medical insurance plan

3. DELTA DENTAL PLAN OF NEW JERSEY

Dental insurance plan

4. EDUCATORS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE

Group life insurance plan

5. THE GUARDIAN

Long-term disability plan



<PAGE>



                                                                      APPENDIX B

                       MINNEOSOTA BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT

302A.471. RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS

SUBDIVISION  1. ACTIONS  CREATING  RIGHTS.  A shareholder  of a corporation  may
dissent from, and obtain payment for the fair value of the shareholder's  shares
in the event of, any of the following corporate actions:

     (a) An amendment of the articles that materially and adversely  affects the
         rights or preferences  of the shares of the  dissenting  shareholder in
         that it:

         (1)  alters and abolishes a preferential right of the shares;

         (2)  creates, alters, or abolishes a right in respect of the redemption
              of the shares, including a provision respecting a sinking fund for
              the redemption or repurchase of the shares;

         (3)  alters or abolishes a preemptive right of the holder of the shares
              to acquire  shares,  securities  other than  shares,  or rights to
              purchase shares or securities other than shares;

         (4)  excludes or limits the right of a shareholder to vote on a matter,
              or to  cumulate  votes,  except as the right  may be  excluded  or
              limited through the  authorization or issuance of securities of an
              existing or new class or series with similar or  different  voting
              rights;  except that an  amendment  to the  articles of an issuing
              public  corporation  that provides that section  302A.671 does not
              apply to a  control  share  acquisition  does not give rise to the
              right to obtain payment under this section:

     (b) A sale, lease,  transfer,  or other disposition of all or substantially
         all of the property and assets of the corporation,  but not including a
         transaction permitted without shareholder approval in section 302A.661,
         subdivision  1, or a disposition  in  dissolution  described in section
         302A.725,  subdivision  2, or a  disposition  pursuant to an order of a
         court,  or a  disposition  for  cash on  terms  requiring  that  all or
         substantially  all of the net proceeds of disposition be distributed to
         the shareholders in accordance with their  respective  interests within
         one year after the date of the disposition;

     (c) A plan of merger,  whether under this chapter or under chapter 322B, to
         which the corporation is a party, except as provided in subdivision 3;

     (d) A plan of exchange,  whether  under this chapter or under chapter 322B,
         to which the  corporation  is a party as the  corporation  whose shares
         will be acquired  by the  acquiring  corporation,  if the shares of the
         shareholder are entitled to be voted on the plan; or

     (e) Any other  corporate  action taken pursuant to a shareholder  vote with
         respect to which the articles,  the bylaws, or a resolution approved by
         the board directs that dissenting  shareholders  may obtain payment for
         their shares.

SUBD. 2. BENEFICIAL OWNERS.

     (a) A shareholder shall not assert  dissenters'  rights as to less than all
         of the shares  registered  in the name of the  shareholder,  unless the
         shareholder   dissents   with  respect  to  all  the  shares  that  are
         beneficially  owned by another person but registered in the name of the
         shareholder and discloses the name and address of each beneficial owner
         on whose behalf the shareholder  dissents. In that event, the rights of
         the  dissenter  shall be  determined  as if the  shares as to which the
         shareholder  has dissented and the other shares were  registered in the
         names of different shareholders.

     (b) A  beneficial  owner of shares  who is not the  shareholder  may assert
         dissenters'  rights  with  respect  to  shares  held on  behalf  of the
         beneficial  owner,  and shall be  treated as a  dissenting  shareholder
         under the terms of this section and section 302A.473, if the beneficial
         owner submits to the corporation at the time of or before the assertion
         of the rights a written consent of the shareholder.

                                       1

<PAGE>


SUBD. 3. RIGHTS NOT TO APPLY.

     (a) Unless the articles,  the bylaws, or a resolution approved by the board
         otherwise provide,  the right to obtain payment under this section does
         not apply to a shareholder of the surviving corporation in a merger, if
         the  shares  of the  shareholder  are not  entitled  to be voted on the
         merger.

     (b) If a date is fixed  according to section  302A.445,  subdivision 1, for
         the determination of shareholders  entitled to receive notice of and to
         vote on an action  described in subdivision 1, only  shareholders as of
         the date  fixed,  and  beneficial  owners as of the date fixed who hold
         through  shareholders,  as  provided  in  subdivision  2, may  exercise
         dissenters' rights.

SUBD. 4. OTHER RIGHTS.  The shareholders of a corporation who have a right under
this section to obtain payment for their shares do not have a right at law or in
equity  to have a  corporate  action  described  in  subdivision  1 set aside or
rescinded,  except when the corporate  action is  fraudulent  with regard to the
complaining shareholder or the corporation.

302A.473. PROCEDURES FOR ASSERTING DISSENTERS' RIGHTS

SUBDIVISION 1. DEFINITIONS.

     (a) For purposes of this  section,  the terms  defined in this  subdivision
have the meanings given them.

     (b) "Corporation" means the issuer of the shares held by a dissenter before
         the corporate action referred to in section 302A.471,  subdivision 1 or
         the successor by merger of that issuer.

     (c) "Fair  value  of  the  shares"  means  the  value  of the  shares  of a
         corporation  immediately  before the  effective  date of the  corporate
         action referred to in section 302A.471, subdivision 1.

     (d) "Interest" means interest commencing five days after the effective date
         of the corporate action referred to in section 302A.471, subdivision 1,
         up to and  including  the  date  of  payment,  calculated  at the  rate
         provided in section 549.09 for interest on verdicts and judgments.

SUBD. 2. NOTICE OF ACTION. If a corporation calls a shareholder meeting at which
any action described in section 302A.471, subdivision 1 is to be voted upon, the
notice of the meeting shall inform each  shareholder of the right to dissent and
shall  include  a  copy  of  section  302A.471  and  this  section  and a  brief
description of the procedure to be followed under these sections.

SUBD.  3.  NOTICE OF  DISSENT.  If a proposed  action  must be  approved  by the
shareholders,  a shareholder  who is entitled to dissent under section  302A.471
and who wishes to exercise  dissenters'  rights  must file with the  corporation
before the vote on the proposed  action a written notice of intent to demand the
fair value of the shares owned by the  shareholder  and must not vote the shares
in favor of the proposed action.

SUBD. 4. NOTICE OF PROCEDURE; DEPOSIT OF SHARES.

     (a) After the  proposed  action  has been  approved  by the board  and,  if
         necessary,  the  shareholders,   the  corporation  shall  send  to  all
         shareholders   who  have  complied  with   subdivision  3  and  to  all
         shareholders entitled to dissent if no shareholder vote was required, a
         notice that contains:

         (1)  The  address to which a demand for  payment  and  certificates  of
              certificated  shares  must be sent in order to obtain  payment and
              the date by which they must be received;

         (2)  Any  restrictions on transfer of  uncertificated  shares that will
              apply after the demand for payment is received;

         (3)  A form to be used to certify the date on which the shareholder, or
              the  beneficial  owner on whose behalf the  shareholder  dissents,
              acquired the shares or an interest in them and to demand  payment;
              and

                                       2

<PAGE>


         (4)  A  copy  of  section   302A.471  and  this  section  and  a  brief
              description of the procedures to be followed under these sections.

     (b) In order  to  receive  the  fair  value  of the  shares,  a  dissenting
         shareholder  must demand  payment and  deposit  certificated  shares or
         comply  with any  restrictions  on transfer  of  uncertificated  shares
         within 30 days after the notice  required by  paragraph  (a) was given,
         but the dissenter  retains all other rights of a shareholder  until the
         proposed action takes effect.

SUBD. 5. PAYMENT; RETURN OF SHARES.

     (a) After the  corporate  action  takes  effect,  or after the  corporation
         receives  a  valid  demand  for  payment,   whichever  is  later,   the
         corporation shall remit to each dissenting shareholder who has complied
         with  subdivisions 3 and 4 the amount the  corporation  estimates to be
         the fair value of the shares, plus interest, accompanied by:

         (1)  The  corporation's  closing  balance sheet and statement of income
              for a fiscal  year  ending  not more  than 16  months  before  the
              effective date of the corporate  action,  together with the latest
              available interim financial statements;

         (2)  An estimate by the corporation of the fair value of the shares and
              a brief description of the method used to reach the estimate; and

         (3)  A  copy  of  section  302A.471  and  this  section,  and  a  brief
              description   of  the   procedure  to  be  followed  in  demanding
              supplemental payment.

     (b) The corporation may withhold the remittance  described in paragraph (a)
         from a  person  who  was  not a  shareholder  on the  date  the  action
         dissented  from was first  announced to the public or who is dissenting
         on behalf of a person who was not a beneficial  owner on that date.  If
         the dissenter has complied with  subdivisions 3 and 4, the  corporation
         shall forward to the  dissenter  the  materials  described in paragraph
         (a), a statement of the reason for withholding  the remittance,  and an
         offer to pay to the dissenter the amount listed in the materials if the
         dissenter  agrees  to accept  that  amount  in full  satisfaction.  The
         dissenter may decline the offer and demand payment under subdivision 6.
         Failure to do so entitles the dissenter only to the amount offered.  If
         the dissenter makes demand, subdivisions 7 and 8 apply.

     (c) If the corporation fails to remit payment within 60 days of the deposit
         of  certificates   or  the  imposition  of  transfer   restrictions  on
         uncertificated  shares, it shall return all deposited  certificates and
         cancel all transfer  restrictions.  However,  the corporation may again
         give  notice  under  subdivision  4 and  require  deposit  or  restrict
         transfer at a later time.

SUBD. 6. SUPPLEMENTAL  PAYMENT;  DEMAND. If a dissenter believes that the amount
remitted  under  subdivision  5 is less than the fair value of the  shares  plus
interest,  the  dissenter  may give  written  notice to the  corporation  of the
dissenter's own estimate of the fair value of the shares, plus interest,  within
30 days after the  corporation  mails the  remittance  under  subdivision 5, and
demand payment of the difference. Otherwise, a dissenter is entitled only to the
amount remitted by the corporation.

SUBD. 7. PETITION;  DETERMINATION.  If the  corporation  receives a demand under
subdivision 6, it shall,  within 60 days after receiving the demand,  either pay
to the  dissenter  the  amount  demanded  or  agreed to by the  dissenter  after
discussion with the corporation or file in court a petition  requesting that the
court determine the fair value of the shares, plus interest.  The petition shall
be filed in the  county in which the  registered  office of the  corporation  is
located,  except that a surviving  foreign  corporation  that  receives a demand
relating  to the shares of a  constituent  domestic  corporation  shall file the
petition in the county in this state in which the last registered  office of the
constituent  corporation  was located.  The  petition  shall name as parties all
dissenters  who  have  demanded  payment  under  subdivision  6 and who have not
reached agreement with the corporation.  The corporation shall, after filing the
petition,  serve all parties with a summons and copy of the  petition  under the
rules of civil procedure. Nonresidents of this state may be served by registered
or  certified  mail or by  publication  as provided by law.  Except as otherwise
provided,   the  rules  of  civil  procedure  apply  to  this  proceeding.   The
jurisdiction  of the court is  plenary  and  exclusive.  The  court may  appoint
appraisers,  with  powers and  authorities  the court deems  proper,  to receive
evidence on and recommend the amount of the fair value of the shares.  The court

                                       3

<PAGE>


shall  determine  whether the shareholder or shareholders in question have fully
complied with the  requirements  of this section,  and shall  determine the fair
value of the  shares,  taking  into  account any and all factors the court finds
relevant,  computed by any method or combination  of methods that the court,  in
its discretion,  sees fit to use, whether or not used by the corporation or by a
dissenter. The fair value of the shares as determined by the court is binding on
all shareholders,  wherever located. A dissenter is entitled to judgment in cash
for the amount by which the fair value of the shares as determined by the court,
plus interest,  exceeds the amount,  if any,  remitted under  subdivision 5, but
shall not be liable to the  corporation  for the  amount,  if any,  by which the
amount,  if any,  remitted to the dissenter under subdivision 5 exceeds the fair
value of the shares as determined by the court, plus interest.

SUBD. 8. COSTS; FEES; EXPENSES.

     (a) The court shall determine the costs and expenses of a proceeding  under
         subdivision 7, including the reasonable  expenses and  compensation  of
         any appraisers appointed by the court, and shall assess those costs and
         expenses against the corporation, except that the court may assess part
         or all of those costs and expenses  against a dissenter whose action in
         demanding  payment  under  subdivision  6 is  found  to  be  arbitrary,
         vexatious, or not in good faith.

     (b) If  the  court  finds  that  the   corporation  has  failed  to  comply
         substantially  with this  section,  the court may  assess  all fees and
         expenses of any  experts or  attorneys  as the court  deems  equitable.
         These fees and expenses  may also be assessed  against a person who has
         acted  arbitrarily,  vexatiously,  or not in good faith in bringing the
         proceeding, and may be awarded to a party injured by those actions.

     (c) The  court  may  award,  in its  discretion,  fees and  expenses  to an
         attorney  for  the   dissenters  out  of  the  amount  awarded  to  the
         dissenters, if any.


                                       4

<PAGE>


                                                                      APPENDIX C

                              DERMA SCIENCES, INC.

                     AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCK OPTION PLAN


        THIS DERMA SCIENCES,  INC. STOCK OPTION PLAN, made, adopted and declared
effective the 18th day of July, 1991 by Derma Sciences, Inc. (herein referred to
as the "Plan").

         1. PURPOSE. The Plan is intended to enable Derma Sciences, Inc. and its
subsidiaries  (the  "Company")  to attract and retain  capable  officers,  other
employees, capable outside consultants,  advisors and directors, to provide them
with  incentives to promote the best interests of the Company  through the grant
of  incentive  stock  options  and  nonqualified  stock  options  (collectively,
"Options").

         As used in the Plan, the term  "incentive  stock options" means options
which are intended to qualify as incentive  stock options  within the meaning of
ss.422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,  (thE "Code"). The term
"nonqualified  stock options" means options which are not intended to qualify as
incentive stock options.

         2.  ADMINISTRATION.  The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company  whose members  shall,  inter
alia,   be   "non-employee   directors"   as  this  term  is  utilized  in  Rule
16b-3(b)(3)(i) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

         Subject  to the terms of the Plan,  the  Committee  shall have full and
final authority in its absolute discretion to select the persons to whom Options
shall be granted under the Plan and to set the date of grant and the other terms
of such Options.  The  Committee  also shall have the authority to establish and
rescind,  from time to time, such rules and regulations,  not inconsistent  with
the  provisions  of this Plan,  for the proper  administration  of this Plan and
Options granted hereunder,  and to make such  determinations and interpretations
under or in connection  with this Plan as it deems  necessary or advisable.  The
Committee  may  correct  any  defect,  supply any  omission  and  reconcile  any
inconsistency in this Plan or in any Option granted  hereunder in the manner and
to  the  extent  it  shall  deem   desirable.   All  such  rules,   regulations,
determinations  and  interpretations  shall be binding and  conclusive  upon the
Company and its  officers,  employees,  directors  and outside  consultants  and
advisors  (including  former officers,  employees and directors) of the Company,
and upon their respective legal representatives,  beneficiaries,  successors and
assigns and upon all other  persons  claiming  under or through any of them.  No
member  of the  Board  of  Directors  of the  Company  (the  "Board")  or of the
Committee  shall be liable  for any action or  determination  made in good faith
with respect to the Plan or any Option granted hereunder.

         3.  ELIGIBILITY.  The persons  eligible to receive  options  ("Eligible
Individuals")  under the Plan shall be the directors  (excluding  members of the
Committee), officers and other employees of the Company, outside consultants and
advisors.

         4. STOCK  SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.  Subject to  adjustment  as  provided in
paragraph 7 hereof,  1,500,000  shares (the  "Shares")  of $.01 par value common
stock (the "Common Stock") shall be available for the grant of Options under the
Plan,  which shares may be authorized but unissued Shares or reacquired  Shares,
as the Company shall determine.

         If any Option  granted under the Plan expires or otherwise  terminates,
in whole or in part,  without having been  exercised,  the Shares subject to the
unexercised  portion of such  Option  shall be  available  for the  granting  of
Options  under the Plan as fully as if such Shares had never been  subject to an
Option.

         5. GRANTS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS. From time to time until the
expiration or earlier  termination  of the Plan, the Committee may grant Options
to  Eligible   Individuals  (such  grantees  are  hereinafter   referred  to  as
"Optionees")  under the Plan;  provided,  however,  that grants of incentive and
nonqualified stock options shall be separate and not in tandem.  Options granted
pursuant to the Plan shall be in such form as the  Committee  shall from time to
time approve, and shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

                                       1

<PAGE>


         (A) PRICE.  The option price per Share under each Option  granted under
the Plan shall be determined  and fixed by the Committee in its  discretion  but
shall not be less than (i) in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a
person  who owns more than 10% of the  combined  voting  power of all  shares of
stock of the Company or any subsidiary on the date of grant, the greater of $.01
or 110% of the  fair  market  value of the  Shares  on the date of grant of such
Option,  and (ii) in all  other  cases the  greater  of $.01 or 100% of the fair
market value of the Shares on the date of grant of such Option.  The fair market
value of a Share on any day shall mean that amount  determined by such method of
determining fair market value as shall be permitted by the Code, or the rules or
regulations  thereunder,  and  used by the  Committee  from  time to  time.  For
purposes of this paragraph 5 an individual  shall be deemed to own any shares of
stock of the Company which are attributed to such individual under ss. 424(d) of
the Code.

         (B) TERM.  Subject to earlier  termination as provided in subparagraphs
(c) through (f) below and in  paragraph  8 hereof,  the  duration of each Option
shall not be more than ten (10) years from the date of grant;  provided that the
duration  of any  Option  granted  to a  person  who owns  more  than 10% of the
combined  voting  powers of all  shares of stock of the  Company  on the date of
grant of the  Option  shall not be more  than  five (5)  years  from the date of
grant.

         (C) EXERCISE AND PAYMENT.  Except as otherwise  provided in paragraph 8
hereof,  options shall be exercisable in such installments and on such dates, as
the  Committee may specify;  provided  that the  Committee  may  determine  that
Options will become immediately  exercisable in whole or in part in the event of
death, disability or termination of employment.  Except as otherwise provided in
subparagraphs  (d)  through  (f) below,  Optionees  must be in the employ of the
Company at the time of Option  exercise.  Any Shares which may be purchased upon
exercise of an Option ("Option Shares"),  the right to the purchase of which has
accrued, may be purchased at any time up to the expiration or termination of the
Option.  Options may be  exercised,  in whole or in part,  from time to time, by
giving  written  notice of exercise  to Derma  Sciences,  Inc. at its  principal
office,  specifying  the number of Shares to be purchased,  and  accompanied  by
payment in full of the aggregate purchase price for the Shares. Only full Shares
shall be delivered and any fractional share which might otherwise be deliverable
upon exercise of an Option granted hereunder shall be forfeited.

         The purchase price shall be payable: (i) in cash or its equivalent,  or
(ii) if the  Committee,  in its  discretion,  so  provides  in the stock  option
agreement or, in the case of nonqualified  stock options,  if the Committee,  in
its discretion,  so determines at or prior to the time of exercise,  in whole or
in part  through  the  transfer  of  Common  Stock  previously  acquired  by the
Optionee,  provided  the  Common  Stock so  transferred  has  been  held for the
applicable holding period set forth below:

              (i) If such  previously  acquired  shares  of  Common  Stock  were
acquired through exercise of an incentive stock option and are being tendered as
payment of the option price under an incentive  stock  option,  such shares have
been  held by the  Optionee  for a period  not  less  than  the  holding  period
described in ss. 422(a)(1) of the Code;

              (ii) If such  previously  acquired  shares  of Common  Stock  were
acquired through  exercise of an incentive stock option or a nonqualified  stock
option  and  are  being  tendered  as  payment  of  the  option  price  under  a
nonqualified  stock option,  such shares have been held by the Optionee for more
than six months; or

              (iii) If such  previously  acquired  shares of Common  Stock  were
acquired through exercise of a nonqualified  stock option and are being tendered
as payment of the option price under an incentive stock option, such Shares have
been held by the Optionee for more than six months.

         In the event such  purchase  price is paid,  in whole or in part,  with
shares of Common Stock, the portion of the purchase price so paid shall be equal
to the fair market value, as determined by, or in the manner  prescribed by, the
Committee in accordance with  subparagraph (a) above, on the date of exercise of
the  Option,  of the  shares of Common  Stock so  tendered  in  payment  of such
purchase price.

         (D) DEATH OF OPTIONEE.  If an  Optionee's  employment  is terminated by
reason  of his  death  prior  to the  expiration  date of his  Option,  or if an
Optionee whose employment is terminated (as described in  subparagraphs  (e) and
(f)  below)  shall die within  three (3) months  following  his  termination  of
employment but prior to the  expiration  date of his Option or expiration of the
period determined under subparagraphs (e) or (f) below, if earlier,  such Option

                                       2

<PAGE>


may  be  exercised  by  the  Optionee's  estate,   personal   representative  or
beneficiary  who  acquired  the right to  exercise  such  Option by  bequest  or
inheritance  or by  reason of the death of the  Optionee,  to the  extent of the
number of Shares with respect to which the Optionee  could have  exercised it on
the date of his death, or to any greater extent  permitted by the Committee,  at
any time  prior  to the  earlier  of:  (i) one  year  following  the date of the
Optionee's death, or (ii) the expiration date of such Option (which, in the case
of death following a termination of employment  pursuant to subparagraphs (e) or
(f)  below,  shall be  deemed  to mean the  expiration  of the  exercise  period
determined thereunder).

         (E) DISABILITY OF OPTIONEE. If an Optionee shall become permanently and
totally  disabled during his employment with the Company and his employment with
the  Company  is  terminated  as a  consequence  of  such  permanent  and  total
disability  prior to the  expiration  date of his  Option,  such  Option  may be
exercised by the Optionee, to the extent of the number of Shares with respect to
which the Optionee  could have  exercised it on the date of such  termination of
employment,  or to any greater extent  permitted by the  Committee,  at any time
prior to the  earlier  of:  (i) one year  following  the date of the  Optionee's
termination of employment,  or (ii) the expiration  date of such Option.  In the
event of the Optionee's legal disability, such Option may be so exercised by the
Optionee's legal representative.

         (F) TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF OPTIONEE.  If an Optionee's employment
with the Company is terminated prior to the expiration date of his Option,  such
Option may be exercised by the  Optionee,  to the extent of the number of Shares
with respect to which the Optionee  could have  exercised it on the date of such
termination,  or to any greater extent  permitted by the Committee,  at any time
prior to the later of: (i) three (3) months  after the date of  termination,  or
(ii) the expiration  date of such Option;  provided,  however,  if an Optionee's
employment  is  terminated  by the Company "for cause" (as defined  below),  the
Optionee shall have no right to exercise his Option on or after the date or such
termination.  As used herein,  termination  of an  Optionee's  employment by the
Company shall be "for cause" if the Board reasonably concludes that the Optionee
has  materially  failed to perform his or her  responsibilities  to the Company,
materially  failed to follow  directives  or policies  established  by or at the
direction of the Board, or conducted  himself or herself in a manner  materially
detrimental to the interests of the Company.

         (G)  TRANSFERABILITY.  No option shall be assignable or transferable by
an Optionee  otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and  distribution,
and during the lifetime of the Optionee,  his Options shall be exercisable  only
by him, or in the event of his legal disability, by his legal representative.

         (H)  RIGHTS AS A  SHAREHOLDER.  An  Optionee  shall have no rights as a
shareholder  with respect to any Shares covered by his Option until the exercise
of such Option and his payment for such Shares.

         (I) ANNUAL LIMIT ON INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS.  The aggregate fair market
value  (determined in accordance with  Subparagraph  (a) above as of the time an
incentive stock option is granted) of the Shares with respect to which incentive
stock  options  are  exercisable  for the first time by an  Eligible  Individual
during any calendar  year (under the Plan and any other  incentive  stock option
plan of the Company) may not exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000),  or
such other number as may be in effect under the Code from time to time.

         (J) OPTION  AGREEMENT AND FURTHER  CONDITIONS.  As soon as  practicable
after the grant of an Option,  each Optionee  shall enter into,  and be bound by
the terms of, a stock  option  agreement  (the "Option  Agreement")  which shall
state the number of Shares to which the Option  pertains and specify whether the
Option is intended  to be an  incentive  stock  option or a  nonqualified  stock
option.  The  Option  Agreement  shall  set forth  such  terms,  conditions  and
restrictions  regarding the Option not  inconsistent  with the Plan (and, in the
case of incentive  stock  options,  the provisions of ss. 422(b) of the Code) as
the Committee shall determine. Without limiting thE generality of the foregoing,
the  Committee,  in its  discretion,  may  impose  further  conditions  upon the
exercisability  of Options and restrictions on  transferability  with respect to
Shares issued upon exercise of Options.

         (K)  WITHHOLDING.  The obligation of the Company to deliver Shares upon
the  exercise  of any Option (or cash in lieu  thereof)  shall be subject to any
applicable federal, state and local tax withholding requirements.

         6. LISTING AND REGISTRATION OF SHARES. Each Option under the Plan shall
be subject to the requirement  that, if at any time the Company shall determine,
in its discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification of the Option
or Shares covered thereby upon any securities  exchange or under the laws of any
jurisdiction, or the consent or approval of any governmental or regulatory body,
is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the granting

                                       3

<PAGE>


of such Option, or the exercise thereof, then no such Option may be exercised in
whole or in part  unless and until such  listing,  registration,  qualification,
consent  or  approval  shall  have been  effected  or  obtained,  on  conditions
acceptable  to the  Company.  Each  Optionee,  or his  legal  representative  or
beneficiaries,  also may be required to give satisfactory  assurance that Shares
acquired upon exercise of an Option are being  acquired for  investment  and not
with a view to distribution,  and certificates  representing  such Shares may be
legended accordingly.

         7.  ADJUSTMENTS.  The  number of Shares  which may be issued  under the
Plan,  as stated in paragraph 4 hereof,  and the number of Shares  issuable upon
exercise of  outstanding  Options under the Plan (as well as the exercise  price
per share under such outstanding  Options),  shall be equitably  adjusted by the
Committee to reflect any stock  dividend,  stock split,  share  combination,  or
similar change in the capitalization of the Company.

         8. MERGER, LIQUIDATION OR SALE. In the event of a proposed dissolution,
liquidation or sale of substantially  all of the assets of the Company,  or of a
merger or  consolidation  involving a 50% change of  ownership or control of the
Company, the Committee shall, in its unlimited discretion,  have the power prior
to such event: (a) to terminate all outstanding  Options upon at least seven (7)
days prior notice to each Optionee and, if the Committee  deems it  appropriate,
to cause the Company to pay to each  Optionee an amount in cash with  respect to
each Share to which a terminated Option pertains equal to the difference between
the option  price and the value,  as  determined  by the  Committee  in its sole
discretion,  of the  consideration  to be  received  by the holders of shares of
Common  Stock in  connection  with such  transaction,  or (b) to provide for the
exchange of Options outstanding under the Plan for options to acquire securities
or other  property to be delivered in  connection  with the  transaction  and in
connection  therewith  to make an equitable  adjustment,  as  determined  by the
Committee  in its sole  discretion,  in the option price and number of Shares or
amount of property subject to the Option and, if deemed appropriate, provide for
a cash payment to optionees in partial consideration for such exchange. Anything
hereinbefore or hereinafter to the contrary  notwithstanding,  upon the approval
of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Company  to  implement  a   dissolution,
liquidation, sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company or merger or
consolidation involving a 50% change of ownership or control of the Company, all
unexercised Options issued hereunder shall become immediately exercisable.

         9.  ACQUISITIONS.  Notwithstanding  any other  provision  of this Plan,
Options may be granted  hereunder in  substitution  for options held by officers
and employees of other  corporations who are about to, or have, become employees
of the Company as a result of a merger, consolidation,  acquisition of assets or
similar  transaction by the Company.  The terms,  including the option price, of
the substitute options so granted may vary from the terms set forth in this Plan
to such extent as the Committee may deem appropriate to conform,  in whole or in
part,  to the  provisions  of the  options  in  substitution  for which they are
granted.

         10. AMENDMENT OR DISCONTINUANCE OF THE PLAN. The Board at any time, and
from  time to time,  may  suspend  or  discontinue  the Plan or amend it and any
outstanding Options in any respect whatsoever;  provided,  however, that without
the approval of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding  shares of
Common Stock as may be required by  applicable  law:  (a) the maximum  number of
Shares with respect to which  Options may be granted under the Plan shall not be
increased except as permitted under paragraph 7 hereof,  (b) the lowest price at
which Options may be granted  shall not be reduced,  and (c) the duration of the
Plan under  paragraph 14 shall not be extended;  and provided  further,  that no
such suspension,  discontinuance or amendment shall materially impair the rights
of any holder of an outstanding Option without the consent of such holder.

         11. ABSENCE OF RIGHTS. The  recommendations or selection of an Eligible
Individual  as a recipient  of an Option  under the Plan shall not entitle  such
person to any  Option  unless  and until  the  grant  actually  has been made by
appropriate  action  of the  Committee,  and any such  grant is  subject  to the
provisions of the Plan. Further, the granting of an Option to a person shall not
entitle that person to continued  employment  by the Company or affect the terms
and  conditions  of such  employment,  and the Company  shall have the  absolute
right,  in its  discretion,  to  retire  such  person  in  accordance  with  its
retirement  policies or otherwise to terminate  his  employment,  whether or not
such termination may result in a partial or total termination of this Option.

         12.  APPROVAL.  This Plan originally was adopted by the Company on July
10,  1991.  This plan was amended  January 14,  1994,  May 22, 1996 and July 14,
1998.

                                       4

<PAGE>


         13. NO OBLIGATION TO EXERCISE  OPTION.  The granting of an Option shall
impose no obligation upon an Optionee to exercise such Option.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  this Plan has been executed the day and year first
hereinabove written.

                                                DERMA SCIENCES, INC.



                                                By:____________________________
                                                   Edward J. Quilty
                                                   Chairman



                                       5

<PAGE>


                                     PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

     Sections 1741 and 1742 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988
empower Derma Sciences,  and the bylaws of Derma Sciences  provide that it shall
have the power,  to indemnify  any person who was or is a party or is threatened
to be made a party to any  threatened,  pending  or  completed  action,  suit or
proceeding by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee
or  agent  of Derma  Sciences,  or is or was  serving  at the  request  of Derma
Sciences  as a  director,  officer,  employee  or agent of another  corporation,
partnership,  joint  venture,  trust  or  other  enterprise,  against  expenses,
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by him in  connection  with such action,  suit or proceeding if he acted in good
faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in, or in the case of actions
undertaken  other  than in his  official  capacity,  not  opposed  to,  the best
interest  of Derma  Sciences,  and,  with  respect  to any  criminal  action  or
proceeding,  had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful; except
that, in the case of an action or suit by or in the right of Derma Sciences,  no
indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which
such person shall have been  adjudged to be liable for  negligence or misconduct
in the  performance of his duty to Derma Sciences  unless and only to the extent
that the court in which such action or suit was  brought  shall  determine  that
such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for proper expenses.

ITEM 21. EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number.         Description

  2.1 ........  Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Derma Sciences,  Derma
                Merging and Genetic  Labs dated as of July 7, 1998  (attached as
                Appendix A to Part I of this Registration Statement)
  5.1 ........  Opinion  of Hedger & Hedger  regarding  legality  of  securities
                being registered
  8.1 ........  Opinion of Hedger & Hedger as to federal income tax consequences
                of the Merger
 23.1 ........  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
 23.2 ........  Consent of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
 23.3 ........  Consent  of  Hedger  & Hedger  (contained  in  opinion  filed as
                Exhibit 5.1)
 23.4 ........  Consent  of  Hedger  & Hedger  (contained  in  opinion  filed as
                Exhibit 8.1)
 24.1 ........  Power  of  Attorney  (included  on the  signature  page  of this
                Registration Statement)

ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS

     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

(1)  that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
     1933,  each filing of the  Registrant's  annual report  pursuant to Section
     13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 (and,  where
     applicable,  each  filing  of an  employee  benefit  plan's  annual  report
     pursuant to Section 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934) that is
     incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to
     be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
     and the offering of such  securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
     initial bona fide offering thereof;

(2)  that prior to any public reoffering of the securities  registered hereunder
     through use of a prospectus which is a part of this Registration Statement,
     by any  person  or party  who is deemed  to be an  underwriter  within  the
     meaning  of  Rule  145(c),  the  issuer  undertakes  that  such  reoffering

                                      II-1

<PAGE>


     prospectus  will  contain  the  information  called  for by the  applicable
     registration  form with respect to reofferings by persons who may be deemed
     underwriters,  in addition to the information called for by the other Items
     of the applicable form;

(3)  that  every  prospectus  (i)  that  is  filed  pursuant  to  paragraph  (2)
     immediately  preceding,  or (ii) that purports to meet the  requirements of
     Section  10(a)(3) of the Act and is used in connection  with an offering of
     securities  subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an amendment to
     the  Registration  Statement  and will not be used until such  amendment is
     effective,  and that, for purposes of determining  any liability  under the
     Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective  amendment shall be deemed
     to be a new  registration  statement  relating  to the  securities  offered
     therein,  and the offering of such  securities at that time shall be deemed
     to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

(4)  to respond to requests for  information  that is  incorporated by reference
     into the prospectus  pursuant to Item 4, 10(b),  11 or 13 of Form S-4 under
     the Securities Act of 1933,  within one business day of receipt of any such
     request,  and to send the  incorporated  documents  by first  class mail or
     other equally prompt means,  including  information  contained in documents
     filed  subsequent  to the  effective  date  of the  Registration  Statement
     through the date of responding to such request; and

(5)  to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning
     a transaction,  and the company being acquired involved  therein,  that was
     not the  subject of and  included  in the  Registration  Statement  when it
     became effective.

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933
may  be  permitted  to  directors,  officers  and  controlling  persons  of  the
Registrant pursuant to the provisions  described in Item 20 above, or otherwise,
the  Registrant  has been  advised  that in the  opinion of the  Securities  and
Exchange  Commission such  indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.  In the event that a claim
of  indemnification  against  such  liabilities  (other  than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses  incurred or paid by a director,  officer or  controlling
person  of the  Registrant  in a  successful  defense  of any  action,  suit  or
proceeding) is asserted by such  director,  officer,  or  controlling  person in
connection with the securities being registered,  the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of  appropriate  jurisdiction  the  question  of whether  such
indemnification  by it is against  public policy as expressed in the  Securities
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

                                      II-2

<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  the
Registrant  has duly  caused  this  Registration  Statement  to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Princeton,
State of New Jersey, on the 16th day of July, 1998.

                                      DERMA SCIENCES, INC.


                                      By:/s/ Edward J. Quilty
                                         ----------------------
                                         Edward J. Quilty, Chairman of the Board


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         Know  all men by these  presents,  that  each  person  whose  signature
appears below  constitutes  and appoints Edward J. Quilty as his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact  and agent, with full power of substitution and  resubstitution
for him and in his name,  place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any
and all amendments  (including  post-effective  amendments) to this Registration
Statement,  and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents
in connection  therewith with the Securities and Exchange  Commission,  granting
unto said  attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing  requisite or necessary to be done in and about the
premises,  as  fully  to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent
or his substitute or substitutes,  may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

         Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of  1933,  this
Registration  Statement  has been signed below by the  following  persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.


      SIGNATURE                    CAPACITY IN WHICH SIGNED            DATE


/s/ Edward J. Quilty          Chairman of the Board and Director   July 16, 1998
- --------------------------    (Principal Executive Officer)
Edward J. Quilty                                       

/s/ Stephen T. Wills          Vice President and Chief Financial   July 16, 1998
- --------------------------    Officer (Principal Financial and 
Stephen T. Wills, CPA, MST    Accounting Officer)

/s/ John T. Borthwick         Director                             July 16, 1998
- --------------------------
John T. Borthwick

/s/ Laurence F. Lane          Director                             July 16, 1998
- --------------------------
Laurence F. Lane

/s/ Timothy J. Patrick        Director                             July 16, 1998
- --------------------------
Timothy J. Patrick

/s/ Srini Conjeevaram         Director                             July 16, 1998
- --------------------------
Srini Conjeevaram



                                      II-3







                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

                                 HEDGER & HEDGER
                                ATTORNEYS AT LAW
                        1800 LINGLESTOWN ROAD, SUITE 206
                       HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17110-3364
                            TELEPHONE (717) 238-1800
                            FACSIMILE (717) 238-1828

July 17, 1998

Derma Sciences, Inc. 
214 Carnegie Center
Suite 100 
Princeton, NJ  08540

Re: Derma Sciences, Inc. - Registration Statement on Form S-4

Gentlemen:

We are issuing this opinion in connection with the Registration Statement on
Form S-4 being filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") on the date hereof (the "Registration Statement") for the
purpose of registering with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "1933 Act"), up to 1,683,000 shares (the "Shares") of common stock
of the Company, par value $.01 per share, issuable pursuant to the Agreement and
Plan of Merger dated as of July 7, 1998 (the "Merger Agreement") by and among
the Company, Derma Merging Corporation ("Derma Merging") and Genetic
Laboratories Wound Care, Inc. (Genetic Labs).

In this connection, we have examined and are familiar with originals or copies,
certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of (i) the Registration
Statement, (ii) the Merger Agreement, (iii) the Articles of Incorporation and
the Bylaws of the Company, as amended, each as currently in effect, and (iv)
resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company relating to the
issuance of the Shares and certain related matters. We have also examined
originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of
such records of the Company and such agreements, certificates of public
officials, certificates of the Company and others, and such other documents,
certificates and records as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis
for the opinions set forth herein.

In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal
capacity of natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us
as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to
us as certified, conformed or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the
originals of such copies. In making our examination of documents executed or to
be executed by parties other than the Company, we have assumed that such parties
had or will have the power, corporate or other, to enter into and perform all
obligations thereunder and have also assumed the due authorization by all
requisite action, corporate or other, and execution and delivery by such parties
and the validity and binding effect thereof. As to any facts material to the
opinions expressed herein which we have not independently established or
verified, we have relied upon statements and representations of officers and
representatives of the Company and others.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares
have been duly authorized for issuance and, upon consummation of the merger of
Derma Merging Corporation with Genetic Labs pursuant to the Merger Agreement,
and the issuance of the Shares and delivery of proper stock certificates
therefor in the manner contemplated in the Merger Agreement, the Shares will be
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to this opinion under the caption
"Legal Opinion" in the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus included therein. In
giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of


<PAGE>

Derma Sciences, Inc.
July 17, 1998
Page 2


persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the 1933 Act or the rules
and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

This opinion is furnished by us, as counsel to the Company, in accordance with
the requirements of the 1933 Act and, except as provided in the immediately
preceding paragraph, is not to be used, circulated or quoted for any other
purpose or otherwise referred to or relied upon by any other person without our
express written permission.

Very truly yours,

HEDGER & HEDGER



/s/ Raymond C. Hedger, Jr.





                                                                     EXHIBIT 8.1

                                 HEDGER & HEDGER
                                ATTORNEYS AT LAW
                        1800 LINGLESTOWN ROAD, SUITE 206
                       HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17110-3364
                            TELEPHONE (717) 238-1800
                            FACSIMILE (717) 238-1828

July 17, 1998
Derma Sciences, Inc.
214 Carnegie Center
Suite 100
Princeton, NJ 08540

Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Derma Sciences, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation
("Derma Sciences"), in connection with (i) the Merger, as defined and described
in the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of July 7, 1998 by and among Derma
Sciences, Derma Merging Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation and a wholly
owned subsidiary of Derma Sciences ("Derma Merging"), and Genetic Laboratories
Wound Care, Inc., a Minnesota corporation ("Genetic Labs") (the "Merger
Agreement") and (ii) the preparation and filing of the Joint Proxy
Statement-Prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July
17, 1998 (the "Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus") under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, and the preparation of a Registration Statement on Form
S-4 (the "Registration Statement") of which the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus
forms a part. Unless otherwise indicated, each defined term has the meaning
ascribed to it in the Merger Agreement.

In the Merger, each issued and outstanding common share, par value $.01 per
share, of Genetic Labs ("Genetic Labs Common Shares") (other than shares as to
which dissenters' rights have been duly demanded under Minnesota law) will be
converted into the right to receive 0.7 fully paid and nonassessable shares of
Derma Sciences Common Stock with fractional interests to be rounded to the next
higher number of whole shares of Derma Sciences Common Stock. In connection with
this opinion, we have examined and are familiar with originals and copies,
certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of (i) the Joint Proxy
Statement-Prospectus, (ii) the Merger Agreement, and (iii) such other documents
as we have deemed necessary or appropriate in order to enable us to render the
opinion below. In our examination, we have assumed the legal capacity of all
natural persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all
documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of
all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies and the
authenticity of the originals of such latter documents.

Based upon these assumptions and subject to (i) the Merger being consummated in
the manner described in the Merger Agreement, (ii) the accuracy of certain
representations made by Derma Sciences, Derma Merging, Genetic Labs and certain
Genetic Labs stockholders in connection with the issuance of our opinion, (iii)
the furnishing to us of "affiliate letters" by certain shareholders of Genetic
Labs in accordance with the Merger Agreement and the accuracy of the
representations therein made, and (iv) the retention after the completion of the
Merger of a significant continuing equity interest in Derma Sciences by the
historic shareholders of Genetic Labs, we are of the opinion that the material
U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger to Derma Sciences, Genetic
Labs and holders of Genetic Labs Common Shares are as follows:

     1.  The Merger will  constitute  a  reorganization  for federal  income tax
         purposes  within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal  Revenue
         Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").

     2.  As a reorganization  for federal income tax purposes within the meaning
         of Section  368(a) of the Code, the Merger will result in the following
         general federal income tax consequences:


<PAGE>


Derma Sciences, Inc.
July 17, 1998
Page 2


     A.   Derma Sciences, Genetic Labs and Derma Merging will not recognize any
          gain or loss as a result of the Merger.

     B.   No gain or loss will be recognized by holders of Genetic Labs Common
          Shares who exchange their Genetic Labs Common Shares for Derma
          Sciences Common Stock.

     C.   Each holder's aggregate tax basis in the Derma Sciences Common Stock
          received in the Merger will equal his aggregate tax basis in the
          Genetic Labs Common Shares exchanged therefor.

     D.   Provided that the Genetic Labs Common Shares are held as a capital
          asset at the Effective Time, the holding period of Derma Sciences
          Common Stock received in the Merger in exchange therefor will include
          the holding period of such Genetic Labs Common Shares.

We express no opinion as to whether the foregoing description addresses all of
the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger that may be applicable to
Derma Sciences, Genetic Labs or holders of Genetic Labs Common Shares. In
addition, we express no opinion as to the U.S. federal, state, local, foreign or
other tax consequences, other than as set forth in the Joint Proxy
Statement-Prospectus under the heading "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences
of the Merger."

In rendering our opinion, we have considered the applicable provisions of the
Code, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, pertinent judicial
authorities, interpretive rulings of the Internal Revenue Service and such other
authorities as we have considered relevant. It should be noted that statutes,
regulations, judicial decisions and administrative interpretations are subject
to change at any time and, in some circumstances, with retroactive effect. We
are under no obligation to supplement or revise our opinion to reflect any
changes (including changes that have retroactive effect) (i) in applicable law
or (ii) that would cause any representation to no longer be true or correct.

This opinion is furnished solely for use in connection with the Merger, as
described in the Merger Agreement, and is not to be used, circulated, quoted or
otherwise referred to for any other purpose without our express written
permission. Pursuant to the foregoing, we authorize Genetic Labs and its
shareholders to rely upon this opinion.

We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Certain Federal
Income Tax Consequences of the Merger" in the Joint Proxy Statement-Prospectus.
In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of
persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended.

Very truly yours,

HEDGER & HEDGER



/s/ Raymond C. Hedger, Jr.







                                                                    Exhibit 23.1




Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-00000) and related Prospectus of Derma
Sciences, Inc. for the registration of 1,683,000 shares of its common stock and
to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 18, 1998,
with respect to the financial statements of Derma Sciences, Inc. included in its
Annual Report (Form 10-KSB) for the year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                                     /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
July 16, 1998





                                                                    Exhibit 23.2




Consent of Independent Auditors

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-4 of our report, dated June 26, 1997, which appears on page
12 of the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB of Genetic Laboratories Wound Care, Inc.
for the year ended May 31, 1997. We also consent to the reference to our Firm
under the caption, "The Genetic Labs Special Meeting" and "Experts" in the
aforementioned Registration Statement



                                                     /s/ McGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
July 16, 1998





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