Medtronic, Inc. ''Brain Pacemaker'' Being Studied To Reduce Seizures In Patients With Difficult-to-Treat Epilepsy; Intercept(TM) Epilepsy Control System Clinical Trial Progressing On Target

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 1, 2005--Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) today announced that the U.S. clinical trial for its Intercept(TM) Epilepsy Control System has met an early milestone. Based on the intended interim review of blinded safety and efficacy data by an independent data safety and monitoring board, enrollment in the trial will continue, and the study of this innovative therapy will progress as planned. This decision allows Medtronic to advance its focus on the unmet needs of individuals with epilepsy. Specifically, the Intercept trial will further explore the application of Medtronic's already proven neurostimulation technology to reduce seizure frequency and severity in people with difficult-to-treat epilepsy. "We are encouraged by the board's decision, and are very pleased that the trial will move forward as this pioneering therapy provides hope for so many people who suffer through life with uncontrolled seizures," said Todd Langevin, vice president and general manager, global movement disorders, Medtronic Neurological. Currently, 15 sites in the U.S. are participating in the pivotal trial, and more than half of all patients needed to complete the trial are enrolled. If the Intercept development plan continues to progress on target, the device could be available for patients as early as 2008. For more information about the trial, or about the Intercept Epilepsy Control System, visit www.epilepsycontrol.com.