LYON, France, July 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EDAP TMS S.A. , the global leader in High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of prostate cancer, continued its media and education campaigns in major European markets with a recent press conference in Lyon during the training visit of Pr. David Crawford from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center at Denver. Joining Pr. Crawford at the event were Pr. Jean-Michel Dubernard, Transplant Specialist and Urologist at Edouard Herriot Hospital, who in 2006 successfully completed the first-ever face and hand transplants, Dr. Murat, one of the top global HIFU experts, and Pr. Xavier Martin, head of Urology at Edouard Herriot Hospital in Lyon and Dean of the Medical University in Lyon.
Already several major French magazine and TV news articles have run stories from the conference. Select articles are available at http://www.edap-tms.com.
Pr. Crawford has been visiting Lyon for one week of training prior to beginning US treatments as part of the EDAP clinical study seeking FDA clearance for the Ablatherm-HIFU device in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Pr Crawford is a regarded expert in new technologies as well as a top cryotherapist, but will be participating in the study as a HIFU provider.
Pr. Crawford commented: “I am excited about what Ablatherm-HIFU has to offer based on the clinical data already available from its use in major European markets. Just as with breast cancer where today more precise and patient quality of life preserving treatments have reduced the need for radical intervention through a mastectomy as the initial therapy, men are now demanding an alternative to either radical prostatectomy or radiation as a first course of treatment. I have high expectations of this technology and look forward to studying its effectiveness as a part of the clinical program in the United States.”
Pr. Crawford was welcomed by Pr. Dubernard, a long-time supporter of EDAP’s technological development over the past 15 years. Dr. Murat provided an overview of the European experience with Ablatherm over the past 10 years of clinical use, including the patient benefits in lower side effects when Ablatherm-HIFU is used as a primary therapy for localized prostate cancer as well as Ablatherm’s unique capability in treating patients who have failed prior external radiotherapy and require additional treatment.
The company also highlighted the mounting pressure for reimbursement in France from a growing base of active Ablatherm sites in the public health system, and now in private clinic as well. Pierre Reboul, Director for France, commented: “Ablatherm is being reimbursed in key European countries and not in France, although EDAP is a French company which has been working on the development of Ablatherm for years, in close cooperation with INSERM a national public research laboratory. Our clinical data demonstrates the clear benefits to the French system, making a strong case for reimbursement approval based on effective treatment and clear demand from the health centers seeking the opportunity for greater use of this technology in meeting patient needs.”
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 for patients who failed radiotherapy treatment. The company is also developing this technology for the potential 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).
For more information on the Company, contact Magnolia Investor Relations at (972) 801-4900, the Corporate Investor Relations Dept at +33 (0)4 78 26 40 46 or see the Company’s Web sites at http://www.edap-tms.com and http://www.hifu-planet.com.
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In addition to historical information, this press release contains 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 these 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.
CONTACT: EDAP TMS S.A. Magnolia Investor Relations
Blandine Confort Matt Kreps +33 4 78 26 40 46 972 801 4900
EDAP TMS S.A.
CONTACT: Blandine Confort of EDAP TMS S.A., +33 4 78 26 40 46; or MattKreps of Magnolia Investor Relations, +1-972-801-4900, for EDAP TMS S.A.
