EXHIBIT A

                                                                   Page 11 of 12

                                    EXHIBIT A

                             JOINT FILING AGREEMENT


        The  undersigned  hereby  agree that the  statement on Schedule 13G with
respect to the Common Stock of Ortec  International Inc., dated as of January 2,
2001,  is, and any  amendments  thereto  (including  amendments on Schedule 13D)
signed  by each of the  undersigned  shall  be,  filed on  behalf  of each of us
pursuant to and in accordance  with the  provisions  of Rule 13d-1(k)  under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


Dated:   January 2, 2001                       XXXXX FUND MANAGEMENT LLC

                                               By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xx.
                                                   ---------------------------
                                                   Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xx.
                                                   Assistant General Counsel


Dated:   January 2, 2001                       XXXXXX XXXXX

                                               By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xx.
                                                   ---------------------------
                                                   Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xx.
                                                   Attorney-in-Fact


Dated:   January 2, 2001                       LUPA FAMILY PARTNERS

                                               By:  XXXXXX XXXXX,
                                                    its General Partner

                                               By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xx.
                                                   ---------------------------
                                                   Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xx.
                                                   Attorney-in-Fact