EDAP Highlights Minimally Invasive Robotic HIFU Technology At British Association of Urological Surgeons Annual Meeting
EDAP Highlights Minimally Invasive Robotic HIFU Technology At British Association of Urological Surgeons Annual Meeting
LYON, France, June 30, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- EDAP TMS SA (Nasdaq:EDAP), the global leader in therapeutic ultrasound, announced today its Ablatherm-HIFU device and next generation Sonolith-I-Sys was highlighted at the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) Annual Meeting. The world's most renowned national and international opinion leaders in urology attended the event, held in Manchester, England from June 23-27, 2008.
EDAP's presence at BAUS focused on increasing physician awareness and further clarifying the unique capabilities of the Company's full product suite as well as the advantages of HIFU as a safe and proven treatment option for localized prostate cancer. During focused demonstrations of the Ablatherm-HIFU device, physicians had the opportunity to assess the technology and robotized approach while discussing the device's clinical superiority in terms of efficacy, safety and long-term data.
During this event, EDAP held its Ablatherm-HIFU United Kingdom user meeting for urologists which was attended by physician representatives from all 16 U.K. Ablatherm centers. This gathering was a success as it validated the full commitment and enthusiasm for Ablatherm-HIFU and its positive treatment outcomes. Representatives from all U.K. Ablatherm centers strongly adhered to the newly and officially introduced @-REGISTRY program ("Ablatherm Treatment"-Registry), a centralized database that collects follow-up data on patients who have undergone Ablatherm-HIFU treatment. Response to the launch of the program by U.K. users was very positive due to the @-REGISTRY's ability to compile results on previously treated patients as well as prospectively collected data. @-REGISTRY together with future publications, many of which are expected to result from this program, should help to further establish Ablatherm-HIFU as a proven treatment for prostate cancer, conforming NICE recommendations.
Dr. John Rewcastle, EDAP's Medical Director, commented, "The @-REGISTRY program will assist U.K. urologists who have embraced Ablatherm-HIFU and the follow up process with their patients. Outcomes from multiple studies have already demonstrated the reproducibility of Ablatherm-HIFU. As such, I expect the U.K. experience to produce a similar level of efficacy and morbidity. Enabling data collection and real time analysis with the @-REGISTRY will facilitate the presentation and publication process."
Marc Oczachowski, EDAP's Chief Executive Officer, said, "The BAUS Annual Meeting, and particularly our Ablatherm-HIFU users meeting, was a great success confirming the strong commitment to our HIFU technology offered to U.K. patients. Our @-REGISTRY extensive clinical database is the ideal tool to address the treatment and funding of U.K. prostate cancer patients conforming NICE guidelines."
"In addition to Ablatherm-HIFU, EDAP highlighted its newly designed Sonolith-I-sys lithotripter, which has gained traction among urologists as one of most advanced lithotripsy device on the market, fully meeting physician needs."
About EDAP TMS SA
EDAP TMS SA develops and markets Ablatherm, the most advanced and clinically proven choice for high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of localized prostate cancer. HIFU treatment is shown to be a minimally invasive and effective treatment option with a low occurrence of side effects. Ablatherm-HIFU is generally recommended for patients with localized prostate cancer (stages T1-T2) who are not candidates for surgery or who prefer an alternative option, or for patients who failed radiotherapy treatment. Approved in Europe as a treatment for prostate cancer, Ablatherm-HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is currently undergoing evaluation in a multicenter U.S. Phase II/III clinical trial under an Investigational Device Exemption granted by the FDA. The Company also is developing this technology for the potential treatment of certain other types of tumors. EDAP TMS SA also produces and commercializes medical equipment for treatment of urinary tract stones using extra-corporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). For more information on the company, please visit http://www.edap-tms.com and http://www.hifu-planet.com or http://www.urotoday.com/HIFU.
CONTACT: EDAP TMS SA Investor Relations / Legal Affairs Blandine Confort +33 4 72 15 31 72 bconfort@edap-tms.com The Ruth Group Investors: R.J. Pellegrino 646-536-7009 rpellegrino@theruthgroup.com