Broncus Technologies, Inc. Release: Researchers Begin Randomized Double-Blind Trial of Airway Bypass Treatment for Emphysema

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- May 17, 2007 -- Broncus Technologies, Inc. today announced the start of its EASE (Exhale Airway Stents for Emphysema) Trial to explore an investigational procedure that may offer a new, minimally-invasive treatment option for millions of emphysema sufferers. The study focuses on a procedure called airway bypass that uses drug-eluting stents to reinforce new pathways in the lung for trapped air to escape. This in turn, may relieve severe emphysema symptoms such as shortness of breath.