SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Laserscope , a pioneer in the development and commercialization of medical lasers and advanced fiber-optic devices, today announced that it has signed an exclusive three-year agreement with MD International, Inc. for distribution of the Company’s proprietary GreenLight(TM) PVP (Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate) laser system, PVP disposable fiber optics and full aesthetic laser system line. MD International (MDI), a leading distributor of medical equipment in Latin America and the Caribbean, will be responsible for the distribution, service, and clinical support of Laserscope’s GreenLight(TM) laser products for PVP and Aesthetic surgery products throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
“We are pleased to have MDI representing Laserscope’s new, innovative PVP procedure for the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, and full aesthetic laser product line in these emerging markets,” said Robert Mann, Group Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing. “We believe that MDI’s experience, relationships and outstanding reputation in the Latin American and Caribbean medical device marketplaces will allow us to be successful in these new markets. We are looking forward to working with the MDI team to meet our respective business goals in this region.”
“We are very excited to be working together with Laserscope to bring advancements in treating BPH and aesthetic conditions to the medical profession and patients in need in Latin America and the Caribbean” said Al Merritt, Chief Executive Officer of MD International. “Laserscope’s PVP procedure using the GreenLight(TM) laser system is of particular interest to us, due to the exceptional clinical efficacy that has been demonstrated by the Laserscope product by such a wide range of physicians and on so many patients. As with other advanced medical procedures we have introduced in the region, we expect to first educate the market about the PVP procedure. Once it is embraced by the region’s thought leaders, we are confident PVP using the GreenLight(TM) laser system will replace the TURP procedure as the primary method for treating BPH.
“MD International has the best and most extensive sales, service and training for medical technology in Latin America,” continued Mr. Merritt. “We are joining forces with Laserscope for the benefit of our physician customers in Latin America and the Caribbean, to bring them a successful combination of the most advanced technology for treating BPH, with a commitment to excellent sales and service.”
“In Latin America, as is typical with other parts of the world, TURP, or transurethral resection of the prostate, is still the most prevalent surgical treatment for BPH,” continued Mr. Mann. “However, we believe that the market will recognize the PVP procedure using our GreenLight(TM) laser system, as a compelling alternative. Our Agreement with MDI is indicative of Laserscope’s continued focus on taking advantage of what we believe is an incredibly exciting international market opportunity.”
About Laserscope
Laserscope designs, manufactures, sells and services on a worldwide basis an advanced line of medical laser systems and related energy delivery devices for the office, outpatient surgical center, and hospital markets. More information about Laserscope can be found on the Company’s web site at http://www.laserscope.com/.
About MD International
MD International, based in Miami, Florida, and founded in 1987, represents more than 30 medical manufacturers. The company has subsidiaries in Mexico City, Mexico and Sao Paulo, Brazil, and sales offices in Panama City, Panama, Bogota, Colombia, Santiago de Chile, Chile, Buenos Aires, Argentina and San Juan, Puerto Rico. MD International provides medical products through more than 600 distributors in 36 countries, and sells directly to more than 100 hospitals and government institutions. The company was awarded the 2003 Small Business Exporter of the Year Award from the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
Except for historical information presented, the matters discussed in this announcement may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks are detailed from time to time in the Company’s public disclosure filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies of Laserscope’s public disclosure filings with the SEC, including the most recent Annual Report on Form10-K and the most recent Forms 10-Q are available upon request from Laserscope’s Investor Relations Department.
At Laserscope: At Financial Relations Board: Eric Reuter, President & CEO Tricia Ross, Analyst/Investor Contact Dennis LaLumandiere, CFO (617) 520-7064 (408) 943-0636 Laurie Berman, General Information (310) 854-8315
Laserscope
CONTACT: Eric Reuter, President & CEO, or Dennis LaLumandiere, CFO ofLaserscope, +1-408-943-0636; or analyst/investors, Tricia Ross,+1-617-520-7064, or General Information, Laurie Berman, +1-310-854-8315, bothof Financial Relations Board, for Laserscope
Web site: http://www.laserscope.com/