FARMINGDALE, N.Y., June 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --Misonix, Inc. , a developer of minimally invasive ultrasonic medical device technology, which in Europe is used for the ablation of tumors and worldwide for other acute health conditions, participated in the 2nd International Workshop on Focal Therapy and Imaging in Prostate and Kidney Cancer, which was held in Noordwijk, The Netherlands, June 10-13, 2009. The meeting was created to address the growing global demand for minimally invasive techniques to ablate urological tumors while maximizing organ preservation. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound and other advanced ablation modalities were featured throughout the program. In addition to the clinical presentations, Misonix exhibited and demonstrated the Sonablate(R) 500 High Intensity Focused Ultrasound ("HIFU") System to the approximately 350 clinicians in attendance.
The Sonablate is a state of the art HIFU instrument used in Europe, Latin America and Asia for trans-rectal ablation of tumors of the prostate gland. Characteristics of HIFU, when used for this purpose, are clinical outcomes similar to other treatment modalities, but with low instances of urinary incontinence and sexual impotence.
The company's SonaTherm HIFU System continues to be utilized in clinical evaluations at the University Hospital, Vienna, Austria, for the ablation of certain lesions of the kidney.
For several years, Sonablate's Visually Directed(TM) HIFU has been successfully used in Europe, in an outpatient setting, for whole gland ablation of prostate carcinoma, with minimal incidences of urinary incontinence and reduced reports of erectile dysfunction. Additional studies for the ablation of unifocal and unilateral prostate disease, while maximizing the preservation of surrounding tissue, are underway at University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
"For most men, the current choices for treatment of localized prostate cancer continue to be active surveillance or prostatectomy," said Michael A. McManus, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Misonix. "Radical therapy like prostatectomy is often associated with reductions in quality of life due to associated incontinence, impotence, or rectal problems. Visually Directed(TM) HIFU with the Sonablate 500 is a precision technology that is capable of creating localized necrosis in a controllable manner and appears ideal for applications in focal ablation. Additionally, it has been shown to reduce side effects when compared to radical surgery or radiotherapy."
Mr. McManus continued, "We presently distribute the Sonablate 500 from Focus Surgery, Inc. throughout Europe. In addition, we have a worldwide license from Focus Surgery to develop HIFU applications for kidney, liver, and breast disease. Clinical studies are in progress for the treatment of kidney abnormalities. We believe our rights to this technology will position us as an industry leader in the development of multiple products using minimally invasive HIFU technology for the ablation of tumors."
About Misonix:
Misonix, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and markets therapeutic ultrasonic medical devices and laboratory equipment. Misonix's therapeutic ultrasonic platform is the basis for several innovative medical technologies. Addressing a combined market estimated to be in excess of $3 billion annually; Misonix's proprietary ultrasonic medical devices are used for wound debridement, cosmetic surgery, neurosurgery, laparoscopic surgery, and other surgical and medical applications. Additional information is available on the Company's Web site at www.misonix.com.
With the exception of historical information contained in this press release, content herein may contain "forward looking statements" that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. These factors include general economic conditions, delays and risks associated with the performance of contracts, risks associated with international sales and currency fluctuations, uncertainties as a result of research and development, acceptable results from clinical studies, including publication of results and patient/procedure data with varying levels of statistical relevancy, risks involved in introducing and marketing new products, potential acquisitions, consumer and industry acceptance, litigation and/or court proceedings, including the timing and monetary requirements of such activities, the timing of finding strategic partners and implementing such relationships, regulatory risks including approval of pending and/or contemplated 510(k) filings, the ability to achieve and maintain profitability in the Company's business lines, and other factors discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company disclaims any obligation to update its forward-looking relationships.
CONTACT: Richard Zaremba of Misonix, +1-631-694-9555, invest@misonix.com;
or Investor Relations, Kevin McGrath of Cameron Associates, Inc.,
+1-212-245-4577, Kevin@cameronassoc.com
Web site: http://www.misonix.com/
