Theragenics to Pursue Restenosis Program
with Pd-103
Technological Advances Provide Opportunity for Theragenics'
Cardiovascular Initiative
BUFORD, Ga.--(BW HealthWire)--March 13, 2000-- Theragenics Corporation (NYSE: TGX
- news), the Buford-based medical isotope and cancer treatment producer, today announced that the Company has signed an agreement with the Atlanta Cardiovascular Research Institute(ACRI) for a two-phase animal study addressing the use of palladium 103 (Pd-103) for the prevention of restenosis. Restenosis, or the re-closing of arteries, often occurs after coronary angioplasties. Nearly one-half of the 350,000 coronary angioplasties performed annually in the United States fail (restenose) within the first few months following the procedure.
``Theragenics is thrilled to be working with an organization of the stature and medical sagacity of the Atlanta Cardiovascular Research Institute. The talent represented by ACRI is unsurpassed as well as comprehensive and unbiased' said Christine Jacobs, chairman,president and CEO of Theragenics. ``With recent technological advances at Theragenics, we are optimistic about our ability to construct devices capable of safely and effectively delivering the radiation characteristics appropriate for the treatment of restenosis. This study is an exciting beginning in our efforts to validate this optimism.'
In the first phase of the study, which is scheduled to begin in April, Theragenics will be delivering catheter-based Pd-103 devices to ACRI to determine if the devices can inhibit restenosis-like changes in pig coronary arteries following balloon angioplasty and stent implantation. The study also will assess the long-term consequences of this treatment in the model. The second phase of the study will have similar objectives, although Theragenics will be delivering stent-based Pd-103 devices, rather than catheter-based devices to ACRI for use in the studies.
Commenting on today's announcement, Nicolas Chronos, M.D., Director of the Atlanta Cardiovascular Research Institute, expressed his pleasure to be working with Theragenics by saying, ``Theragenics has built a time-tested and untainted reputation in the production of TheraSeed© for prostate cancer and possesses unequalled knowledge and skill in the production of Pd-103 and brachytherapy devices. It is scientifically satisfying to know that the devices being used in these studies will be held to Theragenics' high standards of quality and consistency.'
Ms. Jacobs continued, ``This endeavor with ACRI represents a logical growth path for Theragenics, the world's leading producer of Pd-103, and a significant step in our diversification strategy. We believe that our 13 plus years experience in manufacturing and working with this isotope puts us in a particularly strong position to create commercializable Pd-103 products for this and other applications. While enticing, the treatment of restenosis represents only one of the opportunities that can take advantage of Theragenics' many technological advancements. In addition, our expertise should give us the potential to diversify into other medical and non-medical applications including macular degeneration, other cancer sites and various isotope based products. We believe that this first step toward diversification, which applies our radiation expertise to the critical field of cardiology, provides an opportunity ultimately to serve our shareholders as well as patients.'
Theragenics Corporation is the manufacturer of TheraSeed©, a rice-sized device used in the treatment of prostate cancer with a one-time, minimally invasive procedure. For additional information on the Company, call Theragenics' Investor Relations Department at 800-998-8479. The Company's stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TGX. |
