EDAP TMS S.A. (Nasdaq:
EDAP) the global leader in High Intensity Focused Ultrasound treatment of
prostate cancer announces the launch of Ablatherm-HIFU services at Aker
Hospital in Oslo, Norway, the first HIFU treatment center in Scandinavia.
Aker represents the largest Urology Department in Norway and is a leading
center in Scandinavia. Aker will use the Ablatherm-HIFU device under EDAP's
innovative fixed installation Revenue-Per-Procedure (RPP) model. This model
allows the hospital to offer the Ablatherm device without up-front capital
expense by committing to minimum use levels. The Ablatherm-HIFU unit will
be broadly available to patients from all Scandinavian countries.
Ablatherm-HIFU will initially address radiation failure patients
through a unique partnership between the Urology and Radiotherapy
departments within the hospital. The device is also proven highly effective
in treating first indication cases of localized prostate cancer. In both
cases, the Ablatherm- HIFU can offer an effective curative treatment with
outcomes rivaling more traditional therapies but with lower potential side
effects. This unique blend of high efficacy with lower side effects offers
patients an opportunity to preserve their quality of life post therapy
without creating a therapeutic impasse in the event of a cancer recurrence.
Aker University Hospital (Oslo, Norway) was founded in 1895 and is one
of Oslo's four sector hospitals. Since January 2002 the hospital is
organized as a for profit health center fully owned by Helse Ost RHF. The
hospital is associated with the University of Oslo Medical School, largest,
most prestigious and oldest university in Norway. Aker is also a primary
site for academic medical research in Norway. Oslo Urological University
Clinic (OUU) at Aker University Hospital is the largest urological clinic
in Norway. It serves a local population of 580,000 people and is the
urological regional center in Helse Ost RHF with a population of 1.7
million people. OUU covers all aspects of urological problems and disease,
and is especially focused on laparoscopic and other minimally invasive
techniques.
"We are very interested in the Ablatherm-HIFU device because it can
effectively offer a curative care option to patients suffering from a
cancer recurrence after radiation treatment in addition to effective
treatment for newly diagnosed patients," said Dr Steinar Karlsen, chairman
and professor at OUU Aker University Hospital. "Ablatherm-HIFU is the most
clinically proven HIFU device for prostate cancer and clearly demonstrated
in the clinical literature to offer significant potential benefits to many
patients. The Ablatherm-HIFU device is also unique in that it offers a
specialized protocol specific to the unique treatment parameters necessary
to effectively treat post-radiation recurrence cases. These patients often
have few choices for curative care. The Ablatherm will be very attractive
to these patients who are increasingly considering their quality of life as
part of their treatment decision."
"We are excited to launch the first HIFU site in Scandinavia serving
patients suffering from prostate cancer, and to do so at a major center
serving the entire Scandinavian population so even more patients will have
the opportunity to benefit from Ablatherm-HIFU therapy as a consideration
in treating their cancer," said Hugues de Bantel, CEO of EDAP. "As always,
the center made a thorough review of the clinical data, literature and user
experience associated with HIFU and came to the conclusion that
Ablatherm-HIFU is the most proven and most beneficial choice available
today. The dedicated and thoroughly researched parameters for radiation
failure cases clearly address a growing need for a means to help these
patients, and Ablatherm-HIFU is the only HIFU device that has these
dedicated features offering a safe, effective, well documented and quality
of life preserving treatment choice to patients who currently face very
difficult choices. Our focus continues to be the clear, accurate and
appropriate education of both the medical and patient communities to help
secure the best standards of care for every patient case, and
Ablatherm-HIFU clearly has a significant role in offering a potentially
better option to many patients, both newly diagnosed and those suffering
from the return of cancer after prior radiation treatment.
About EDAP TMS S.A.
EDAP TMS S.A. 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 patients who failed radiotherapy
treatment. The company is also developing this technology for the treatment
of certain other types of tumors. EDAP TMS S.A. also produces and
commercializes medical equipment for treatment of urinary tract stones
using Extra-corporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL).
This press release contains, in addition to historical information,
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These
include statements regarding the Company's growth and expansion plans. Such
statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject
to a number of uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.
Factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to,
those described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Ablatherm-HIFU treatment is in clinical trials but not yet FDA
approved or marketed in the United States.
EDAP TMS S.A.
edap-tms