Cardiogenesis Corporation Reports First Quarter 2009 Results

IRVINE, Calif., May 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cardiogenesis Corporation the "Company", a leading developer of surgical products used in the treatment of patients suffering from severe angina, today reported financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2009.

First Quarter 2009 Financial Results

Net revenues in the first quarter of 2009 totaled $2,852,000, a 4% decrease from the prior year first quarter net revenues of $2,982,000. During the first quarter of 2009, the Company sold three lasers and 479 handpiece units as compared to three lasers and 540 handpieces during the first quarter of 2008. The decrease in net revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2009 results primarily from lower handpiece unit volume in the current year quarter.

Richard Lanigan, Cardiogenesis President, stated, "During the fourth quarter of 2008 and through the first quarter of 2009, we implemented an outreach initiative to cardiologists to increase referrals for stand-alone TMR procedures. While we experienced a slow January, the good news is that we added 18 new centers performing stand alone TMR during this period. Success with stand-alone TMR not only increases the case-load for the cardiothoracic surgeons, but may also serve to remind surgeons of the utility of the technology as an adjunct to coronary bypass surgery. We believe the validation of this stand-alone therapy with cardiothoracic surgeons and referring cardiologists is important to the commercial success of TMR."

The Company reported a first quarter 2009 operating loss of $297,000 as compared with an operating loss of $37,000 in the prior year quarter. The net loss for the quarter was $314,000 or $0.01 per basic and diluted share, as compared with a net loss of $36,000, or $0.00 per basic and diluted share in the 2008 first quarter.

The gross margin percentage was 81% of net revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 as compared with an 82% gross margin percentage in the first quarter of 2008. Gross profit decreased by $141,000 to $2,316,000 for the current year quarter as compared with $2,457,000 for the 2008 first quarter.

Research and development expenses were $288,000 in the first quarter of 2009 as compared with $216,000 in the 2008 first quarter. The dollar increase for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was attributed primarily to an increase in activities supporting clinical trials and studies.

Sales and marketing expenses of $1,469,000 in the quarter ended March 31, 2009 decreased $58,000, or 4%, compared with $1,527,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

General and administrative expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 totaled $856,000 as compared to $751,000 during the quarter ended March 31, 2008. This represents an increase of $105,000, or 14%.

About Cardiogenesis Corporation

Cardiogenesis is a medical device company specializing in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and is a leader in devices that treat severe angina. The Company's market leading holmium:YAG laser system and single use fiber-optic delivery systems are used to perform a FDA-cleared surgical procedure known as Transmyocardial Revascularization (TMR).

For more information on Cardiogenesis and its products, please visit the Company's website at http://www.cardiogenesis.com or the direct to patient website at http://www.heartofnewlife.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

With the exception of historical information, the statements set forth above include forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements in this news release are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that could affect the accuracy of these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: any inability by the Company to sustain profitable operations or obtain additional financing on favorable terms if and when needed; any failure to obtain required regulatory approvals; failure of the medical community to expand its acceptance of TMR procedures; possible adverse governmental rulings or regulations, including any FDA regulations or rulings; the Company's ability to comply with international and domestic regulatory requirements; possible adverse Medicare or other third-party reimbursement policies or adverse changes in those policies; any inability by the Company to ship product on a timely basis; the Company's ability to manage its growth; the effects of recent disruptions in global credit and equity markets and other adverse economic developments that could adversely affect the market for our products or our ability to raise needed financing; actions by our competitors; and the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property. Other factors that could cause Cardiogenesis' actual results to differ materially are discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.

CONTACT: William R. Abbott, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of Cardiogenesis Corporation, +1-949-420-1800

Web site: http://www.cardiogenesis.com/
http://www.heartofnewlife.com/